Historical souvenir of Vandalia, Illinois : being a brief review of the city from date of founding to the present

377' '^797

-yss-^^

V

ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY
SPRINGFIELD

EDWARD J. BARRETT

Secretary of State and State Librarian

DATE DUE

Oemco. Inc 3a 293

MRS. MATILDA FRASER.

TliL- Oldest Resident of" Vandalia, having- lived here .sinee it was
laid out in 1819. A daughter of Col. \Vm. C. Greenup.

ERRATA.

It is almost an ini]K)Ssil)ility to ]iul)liNli a \()luinc o!' this Iviiid willinni sonio orrors
creeping thi-oufrli, no matter how imi<-ii care is taken to avoid them In iliis Historical
Souvenir tliere are probably many errors. l)ut the most •riarititr should he called to ihc
attention of the ]iublic. and they are as follows:

On pajre 20 M. FEHEX should read M FKHKEX.

On page 24 MAYOR JENKINS should i.'ad MA.J.OK JEN KINS

On page 40 J. I. R STRAPP should read .1. I. B. STAl'P.

On i)a.ge 4^ DANIEL DREdORV should read DANIEL (UiECORY.

We feel, if these are all of the i-eally jrlarintr errors in this \-oliinie. i hat we ha\ e done
exceedingly well, bui in case there are others we ask- the Ixind forbearance of a ci-iiical
public. THE PT'HLISHERS.

HISTORICAL SOUVENIR

OF

VANDALIA. ILLINOIS

458(>SJ

Being a Brief Re\icw of the City from Date
ot FoLinJing to the Present.

coMiiinri AM' Knn Kn

ROBERT W. ROSS.

ILLUSTRATED

PRICE, ONE DOLLAR,

3 I I 29 00042 5033

riiii.isHKp iiv
THK NATIONAL ILrA'STK ATIN<i CO.,

FKHNr.MAM. IILINOIS.

7 7 7-3 77 7 109

PREFACE.

fN prc9cntinc[ to the public, and to the citizens of Tand.ilia in particular, thio
Souvenir history, L deeirc to a.iy I have endeavored to the beat of my
ability and limited opportunities to compile as much of the history of Old
Tandalia, and its earlier residents, as it was possible to o[ct. But few of the older
residents arc now alive, and only five of them reside in the city and county, viz:
Mrs. Matilda fraser, Mrs. Cl.ira Grnat and Olm. B. Greenup, children of Col. Olm.
C. Greenup, who was the Chief Surveyor in laying out the town; also dm. h.
Lee and Benjamin f. Lee of Shobonicr, in this county, who assisted their father
Lemuel Lee and their uncles in building the first mill in f ayette County, on the
OUaw River at Tandalia. Co them 1 take this opportunity to return my sincere
thanhs for much of the inform.ition herein contained.

I also desire to render thanks to Mr. CO. M. fogler, of the M. 6. Church, Rev.
Montgomery May of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. father Maroney, pastor of
Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Rev. L. S. hicks, pastor of the Baptist
Church, and Rev. S. D. Myers, pastor of the Lutheran Church, for ecclesiastical
history pertaining to their respective charges: also to Mrs. H. M. "Van Dorston for
the interest she has taken in the work; to McLeod the photographer for many
courtcsice extended; and to L. S. Matherly, who has been largely instrumental in
securing so m.iny illustr-itions for this Souvenir.

for much valuable information contained herein 1 am also indebted to "ford's
history of Illinois", "Stuve's history of Illinois", the " Illinois Blue Book", .ind
our "County history", and especially do I extend my thanks to the press of the
County for their kind mention and courtesies extended.

1 claim no credit only as the compiler, and say in the language of the poet pope

■Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see
Thinks what ni"er was, nor is. nor e'er shall be. "

Tandalia. 111., Nov. ist, 1904. Robt. d. Ross.

ROBERT W. ROSS.

/^NE of the oldest residents of Vaiidalia, ex-member ol the
^^ Illinois Legislature, twice chief clerk of the lower house of
the Illinois Legislature, ex-circuit clerk of Fayette county, a
gentleman who takes a deep interest in public affairs, and es-
Iiecially in anything pertaining to Vandalia and Fayette county.

L. S. MATHE.RLY.

pvEITTV Postmaster five yt-ars under II. S. Iliiniplircv, nml
^ IkIiI utlu-r offices of public trust: traviliuj; representative
thirteen vears for the St. Louis Clobe-Deniocrat. representcrl the
St. Louis and Chicago daily papers as local corresi)onilcnl tor
over twenty > ears, a resident of Vandalia twenty-eight years.
He was associated with Mr. Ross in compiling this Souvenir.

HISTORIC

VANDALIA

By CHARLES LINCOLN

PHIFER, (Class of 1880.)

♦if N certain cities center man's aftairs;
" From them pour fortli the tides that shape
the years;
And though, like hearts, they send the red tide

forth.
In time it will return fr<jm all the earth.
It matters not that such a place is small,
The real center is no place at all.
Such center, old Vandalia, you have been,
And such a center you should be again.
Perhaps, before the advent of the white,
Races forgotten gathered on yon height:

Perhaps Mound Buikk-rsjourneyingfrom the west
To the Ohio, stopping here to rest.
Kindled their signal fires on old South Hill
To show those who remained that all was well.
Or, it mav be, the Red Men

of the wood
Held this green prominence
from red stain of blood;

And he who lodged here was

exempt from fear.
And there was peace for even
the hunted deer.
But, whether this ijc true,

or fancy's dream.
When the indominable
Anglo-Saxons came.

Here centered they, from

here they did diverge.
To found new states and
build the country large.
'Tis told that those brave

pioneers who first
Entered the dry wild were
consumed of thirst,

.\nd in their dire extremity

stuck reeds
In crawfish holes to satisfy
their needs.
Thus were thev suckers, and so conquering fate
They laid foundations of the Sucker State.
But when they found the Okaw, there was drink.
And, full of joy, they gathered on its brink.
The gobbling turkey and high-flying goose.
And eager fish, were present for their use;
While nuts and berries in the bottoms grew.
Making life easv for the adventurous few.
So was it that they stopped, and spread from here
The glory of an ideal hemisphere.

The nation built thus far its thoroughfare;

.\cross the tideless sea of grass they came,
Wliite-schoonered in great Heets, and anchored here,

And for their ideas made a place and name.

THE AUTJIOH.

The national road* became a spoke that found
This center from the rim far in the east;
From here another led forth to the west.

Through untracked forests to the sunset sound.

Again this was a center and a start.
When as a toiler came mechanical art.

For that transforming wonder driven by steamS
Appeared here at the outpost, at its birth;

The wild forest heard its defiant scream

Which n(3w has echoed 'round the entire earth.

From here a spoke ascended to the lake,

\ second to the gulf made whole the wheel;
\ continent's commerce seemed one time to make

Here and away, to bless the common weal.
And though this as a center moved but slow,

Though the circumference
whirl, 'tis always so.

And when old orderloomed

an ancient wrong.
And when the Champion,
in spirit strong.
Arose with challenge, to

]3roclaim the new,
f\iller of Freedom and more
wisely true;

'Twas here once more the

light that was to shine
Around the globe shot
forth its rays divine.
'Twas here stood Douglas

fir the closing dav;
Here towered Lincoln for
the coming frav ,"i'
And that defiance from

these pillars hurled
Has broken chains and
thundered 'round the
world.

That eastern center, Bethlehem, waited long.
For Jesus' cry from David's shepherd song;
Yet in the end there was a voice by night
And waiting Magii saw the dawning light.
Perhaps this western center yet shall see
The herald of the Day that is to be.
When war's loud drumsshall troulilenot the world.
And cannon shall bcduinbaml battlcflags be furled.
Perhaps some babe, now on its mother's breast.
Shall grasp the need, and bring us into rest;
.\ml a wee pebble dropped into this stream.
Stir all the ])Cople to fulfill their dream.
So let it lie, Vandalia; for thereto
Your mission is, to usher in the new.
August 20, l;iOJ.

* The National Road, constructed by the government to facilitate emigration, found its terminus at Vandalia.

t; The Illinois Central, passing through \'andalia un its way from the lakes to the gulf, was one "t the first railroads built.

i It was in Vandalia that Douglas and Lmcoln began theirremarkable careers.

BRIEF HISTORY OF VANDALIA

BY ROB'T. W. ROSS

/

fN writing tlie history of Van-
dalia, it is necessary to pre-
lude it by slating the circum-
stances leading up to its se-
lection and location. Illinois was
admitted into the Union in ISIS, and
on March 3d. 1S19. the United States,
by an Act of Congress, granted to the
State of Illinois four sections of land,
to be selected by the State, for the
seat of Government of said State.

The following act of the legislature
was passed at the first general as-
sembly of the State of Illinois which
was held at Kaskaskia. The same
was approved March 30th, 1819:

AN ACT for the removal of the seat
of government of the State of Illinois,
approved March 3nth, 1819.

Whereas, It appears to the satis-
faction of the General Assembly, that
at the last session of Congress there
was granted four sections of land to
the State of Illinois, for the establish-
ment of the seat of government there-
on for twenty years; and thfi-efore it
becomes necessary from the Constitu-
tion, and from policy, to have commis-
sioners appointed to select the said
quantity of land and provide for lay-
in.g out a town thereon.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the peo-
ple of the State of Illinois represented
in the General Assembly: That there
shall be appointed by the joint ballot
of both branches of the present Gen-
eral Assembly, five commissioners,
for the purpose hereinafter mentioned,
who shall take and subscribe the fol-
lowin.g oath or affirmation, to-wit: I
A, B. — , being appointed a commis-
sioner to select a suitable site where-
on to fix the seat of .government of
this State, agreeable to the donation
of the Congress of the United States,
and the Constitution of this State, and
that in making such selection. I will
not be governed by my own interest
or the interest of any other person or
persons, but in all things will be gov-
erned alone by the interest of this
State.

Section 2. And be it further enacted,
that the said commissioners, or a
major part of them, shall at some con-
venient time, not exceeding three
months from the official p\iblication of
the act of Congress granting said
four sections of land to this State.
and designate the same by the number
and description thereof, according to
the true intent and meaning of ss'-i
Act of Congress, and of the thirteenth
section of the schedule of the Consti-
tution of this State; said land to be
situate on the Kaskaskia River, and
as near as may be east of the third
princip'il meridian on said river.

Section 3. And be it f\irther e.iacted.
That the said commissioners, or a
major part of them shall, as noon as
practicable, transmit the number and

description of said tour sections of
land so selected for the State, to the
registrar ami receiver of the land-otfice
in whose district the said four sec-
tions of land may be situate, or to any
other office or officer as may be re-
quired l)y said Act of Congress, so as
the .government of the United States
may know the land so selected by said
commissioners for this state.

Section 4. And be it further enacted.
That the said commissioners, or a
major part of them, shall have the
power to employ a skillful surveyor
to lay off a town on said land, on the
Kaskaskia River, on such a plan or
device as the said commissioners, or
a major part of them, may agree on;
and the said commissioners shall
have the right to give to the said
town some proper name as they may
agree upon. The said plan shall be
fairly made out and laid before the
next stated session of the General As-
sembly and the said commissioners
shall have the right to draw on the
treasury of their state, for any sum
which may be agreed upon by them as
a compensation to the person em-
ployed in laying off said town.

Section 5. And be it further enacted.
That the said commissioners, or a
major part of them, are authorized
and required to sell one hundred and
fifty lots; (not more than ten of said
lots shall be on the public square) to
the highest bidder, on advertising the
time, place and quantity of lots sold,
in some newspaper of this state fe-
at least six weeks before the sale

thereof The consideration money
for said lots lo be paid down, or
credit given of not longer than six,
twelve, and eighteen months, with ap-
proved security, at the discretion ot
said commissioners, ov a major part
ot them.

Said commissioners, or a major
part of them who may receive the
money arising from the sale of lots
sold by the authority of this act. shall
give bond and security, to be ap-
proved of by the Governor, in double
the sum to be received as aforesaid,
to the Governor, tor the use of the
state, conditioned for the faithful pay-
ment of all moneys arising as afore-
said into the treasury of this state,
within one month from the receipt of
the same. And the said commission-
ers shall have the right to allow such
privileges as to the use of timber to
the first settlers in said town, as they
may deem just and advisable.

Section 6. Be it further enacted.
That the said commissioners, or a
major part of them, are hereby author-
ized to give deeds of conveyance, with
a general warranty on the state, for
all lots sold by the authority of this
act to the purchasers.

Section 7. And be it further enacted,
That the said commissioners, or a
major part of them, shall contract, as
soon as practicalile after said town is
laid off. with some person or persons
for the building of a suitable house
for the reception of the General As-
sembly of this State at their next
stated session, said house to be built

LEE'S OLD MILL ON KASKASKIA RIVER AT VAND.VLI,\
From Painting by J. W. O'Brien, 1853.

10

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

HON. WM. M. FARMER.
Present Circuit Judge.

CHARLES FLOYD EASTERDAY,
Co. Supt. of Schools. The most ef-
ficient Fayette County ever had.

JOSEPH A. GORDON.
Cashier National Bank.

two stories high, on some lot belong-
ing to the state; and not on the public
square, and of sufficient capacity to
accommodate the house of representa-
tives in the lower story, and the
senate in the upper with the neces-
sary rooms for ihe council of revision,
clerks, etc., to have the said building
completed six months before the next
stated session of the General Assem-
bly; and there shall be a condition in
said contract that if said commission-
ers, or a major part of them, deter-
mine that said building can not be
completed at the time specified in said
contract, the said contract be dis-
solved, and the party thus failing in
the opinion of said commissioner^
shall receive pay only for work actual-
ly done, and the said commissioners
to contract for the completion of said
building with some other persons.

Section 8. And be it further enacted.
That the next stated session of the
General Assembly shall be holden at
the town thus laid off by the a\ithor-
ity of this act, in the building before
described: that all public officers and
public offices that are required by law
to be holden or reside a> the seat of
government of this state, on the tir^t
day of the said next stated session of
the General Assembly of ihis state:
and the seat of government of this
sitif^ Khali :lte and remain for the
*e'i'K:i ■ of : tw,enty years, at the said
town so' laffl "off by the authority of
th's act from the said first day of the
next .stated session of the General
AESsmbly. but until said time the seat
of government shall be and remain
at Kaskaskia.

Section 9. And be it further enact-
ed. That the said commissioners, or
a major part of them, shall agree on
the time to meet for the purpose of
making said selection as pointed out
in the second section of this Act, and
advertise the same in some newspa-
per, so as to let all the said commis-
sioners know said time, and all ad-
journments and meetings of said
commissioners shall be agreed on and
advertised as aforesaid.

Section 10. And be it furthei enact-
ed, That the said commissioners, or

a major part of them, shall make out
a general report signed by them, of
all the actings and doings of said
commissioners to the next General
Assembly.

Section 11. And be it further enact-
ed. That the amount of money paid
for the erection of the aforesaid tem-
porary state house shall be paid out
of the money arising from the sale
of lots by the said commissioners, or
if deemed more expedient by the said

commissioners, they are hereby
authorized to draw on and receive
from the state treasury the aforesaid
sum of money out of any money
therein not otherwise appropriated.

Section 12. Be it enacted. That the
said commissioners shall be paid the
sum of three dollars for each day's
service necessarily employed in the
duties imposed on them by this act.
This Act to take effect from and after
its passing.

"I.\ THE WOODS AT V.\NDALIA"

From a Painting by J. W. (I'Brien, 1853.
I

SOUVENIR OF VA\'D.\LI.\, ILLINOIS.

11

JOHN A. BINGHAM.
Post Master and Attorney-at-Law.

.JOHN J. BROWN,
Ex-member Ligislature. Ex-Com. of
Southern 111. Penitentiary. Pres-
ent Grand Master I. O. O. F. Sec.
111. Com. World's Fair. St. Louis.

HON. GEO.
ICx-Ciuiiity .Judge.
Legislature.

T. TURNER,
Ex-member of the

■Cbc Commiestoncrs.

Uniler this Act the following named
commissioners were elected to carry
out its provisions: Samuel Whiteside,
of Madison County; Levi Compton, of
Edwards County; William Alexander,
of Monroe County; Thomas Cox, of
Union County, and Guy W. Smith, of
Edwards County.

The commissioners did their work
within the time specified, selecting
Sections S, 9, 16 and 17, Town 6
North. Range 1 East of the 3rd P. M.,
in conformity with the grant made by
the General Government and located
the capital thereon.

They employed Col. Wi'/iiam C.
Greenup. Beal Greenup and John Mc-
Collum to survey the same into town
lots, in accordance with the provision
of the Act, reserving one square O'-
block upon which the permanent Cap-
itol Building should be erected. This
was done in July, 1819.

Ongtn of Name.

They, having also been instructed
to give the new town a name, named
it Vandalia. It is uncertain as to the
derivation of the name. Ford's His-
tory of the State of Illinois says it
was named after a tribe of Indians.
who infested this part of the State,
called "Vandalls," but Governor
Ford's information on that subject
will not stand the test, for the simple
reason there never was a tribe of
Indians by that name. The most
reasonable solution to the question is.
that the location was in the Van of
settlements in the State, and because
of the hills and dales surrov; iding it.j
therefore "'Vandalia."

Selection of Site.

It is iiroper to here give a state-
ment in regard to its location, which
the writer received from the Hon.
Finney D. Preston, a lawyer of Olney,
Illinois, with whom he was well ac-
quainted. I met him at the O'
Planter's House, in St. Louis, Mo.,
sometime in the 7(»'s, on his return
from Iowa, where he had been visit-
ing one of the commissioners who had
selected the location of the capiti!
for the purpose of gathering data,
from which to write a history of the
State, upon which he stated he was
then engaged.

He stated that this commissioner
informed him "that while the com-
missioners were wending (heir way
along the west bank of the Kaskaskia
River, looking "out a site, that one ot
their party, (Mr. Preston gave me his
name, but I have forgotten it.) shot
a deer which fell at the trunk of a
large white oak tree, which stood up-
on the exact spot where the old Capi-
tol building, (the present Court
House) now stands. They proceeded
to dress it, and cooked a portion for
their dinner, and whi].? partaking of
this repast they decided that the new
Capitol building should stand on Che
exact spot where the deer tell."

OLD CAPI'S STORE.
From a Photograph taken in 1S6-1-.

12

SOL'X'EXIR (3F VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

JULIUS R. SCHULTE.
Eleventh Mayor of Vandalia.

HON. B. W. HENRY.
Vandalia's Oldest and Leading Lawyer

CHAS. G. SONNEMANN,
Lumber Dealer.

the
all
the
the

Selection Hpprovcd.

The commissioners reported their
action to the next general Assembly,
and the same was approved by the
act of the legislature approved Janu-
ary 27th, 1821.

AN ACT approving and confirming
the proceedings of the Vandalia com-
missioners, and for other purposes.
Approved January 27th, 1821:

Section 1. Be it enacted by
General Asseml)ly. etc.. That
the acts and proceedings of
commissioners appointed by
last General Assembly, to select four
sections of land, granted to this state
by the act of Congress of the 3rd ot
March 1819, "An Act for the removal
of the seat of government of the
State of Illinois," as well as such as
relate to the selections made by
them, of Sections 8, 9, 16 and 17 in
township 6, north of range 1, east
of the third principal meridian, as
those relating to other ob.1ects of
their appointment, be and the same
are hereby approved and confirmed :
and the said Town of Vandalia, laid
out by the said commissioners on
part ot said four sections, is hereby
declared to be the permanent seat of
government of the State of Illinois,
for twenty years from and after the
first Monday of December, 1820.

Capitol Building.

The first capitol building was a two
story frame building, and was situ-
ated on the corner of 5th and Johnson
Streets, where the Union Hotel now
stands, the lower floor of which was
devoted to one room for the House
of Representatives and one for a pas-
sage or stairway to the second floor.
The second story consisted of two
rooms, the larger for the Senate

Chamber and the smaller for the
Council of Revision. The Secretary
of State, Auditor and Treasurer occu-
pied offices, detached from the capi-
tol, rented for their use. The State
archives, constituting a small wagon
load, were removed from Kaskaskia
to Vandalia by Sidney Breeze, then
Clerk to the Secretary of State, for
which service he received $25.00; and
the first session of the second General
Assembly met in the first capitol
owned by the State December 4
At this session an act was passed in-
corporating the town of Vandalia, ami

among other powers and duties vest-
ed in the board of trustees, they were
authorized "to employ some skillful
person to paint the State House in a
neat and workmanlike manner and to
make such alterations in the chim-
neys of the house as they might deem
necessary." It was further made
the duty of the trustees of the town
of Vandalia "to take possession of
and keep in good repair the State
House during each and every recess
of the General Assembly."

This building was destroyed by fire
during the third session of the legis-

Ph

t.. In- McLe.Hl

THE OLD HOUSE OF DIVINE WORSHIP

Erected hv Munificence of the State, later occupied by Presbyterian

I Congregation until new churct was erected.

S()L'\E\1R i)l- \.\\1)AL1A. ILLINOIS.

13

DAVID M. WHITTEN,
Sheriff of Fayette County.

JOHN J. SCHNEIDER,
Boot and Shoe Dealer.

RU-l.KtJil.
The Photographer.

lature held at V'andalia. December
9th, 1S23. After the Are the Senate
completed its session in the old
Presbyterian Church. At the time
it was so occupied, it stood where the
present church now stands. The
House of Representatives completed
their session in the house of Col.
Robert K. McLaughlin, which stood
where the Aragon Hotel now stands,
on Lot 5, Block 41. The second State
House was a two story brick struc-
ture, built by the citizens of Van-
dalia in the summer of 1S24, on Lot
7, Block 35, North of Charters' Hotel,
now known as the old Hausman cor-
ner. This building was a pretentious
brick structure, costing about $15-
000, of which amount the citizens of
Vandalia contributed $3,im:io.

In Governor Cole's biennial mes-
sage, (November 16, 1824), he says
concerning the rebuilding of the cap-
itol: "The citizens of Vandalia have
rebuilt it, and doubtless should not
be disappointed in their jusi expecta-
tion of being re-imbursed for the ex-
penses they have incurred in thus
providing for the public accommoda-
tion." The confidence of the citi-
zens, it seems, was not misplaced, for
the General Assembly made an ap-
propriation. December Sth. 1824, of
$12,164.71 to different citizens of Van-
dalia to be paid in the paper of the
State Bank of Illinois for money, la-
bor and materia! advanced in the
construction of the new capitol. The
legislature held its sessions in the
same until the present Old Capitol
Building was erected in the summer
of 1836. This building was never
erected by the State but was built
by Col. James T. B. Stapp, Levi Davis
and Alexander P. Field, without any
authority, on their own responsibility
and out of their own private funds.

They tore down the brick building
which had been built twelve years be
fore and used the material so far a
it was available in the construction
of a new Capitol This building cost
about $16,000. Of this amount $6,0oo
was paid by Governor Duncan out ot
the continguent fund and $10,000 ad-
vanced by the gentlemen named

This was done in order to counteract
the movement then on hand to re-
move the Capitol from Vandalia.
They were afterwards re-imbursed by
the State. It is said that all the ma-
terial that entered into the construc-
tion of the building, except the brick
and shingles, was obtained without
leave from the U. S. Government,

MRS. LITITIA \V. GORDON

Olde.'it Citizen, aged 95. Born at Ccilumliia, Tciin., Aug. IP., l.S()9,
Died Feb. 28, 1904-.

14

SOUXEXIR OF X'AXDALIA, ILLINOIS.

WALTER C. WHITE,
Leading Merchant,

DR. F, L. RICE,
Dentist.

ROBERT W. HICKMAN,
City Clerk in 19(14.

which was at that time engaged in
constructing the National Road, and
building bridges over the openings ir
the grade across the bottom, east of
town, and across the Kaskaskia River
at Vandalia.

Cbe first 6ravcyard.

In 1S23 the legislature passed the
following act conveying certain lots
and land for the purpose of a burial-
ground, and for the purpose of erect-
ing a house of Divine worship. This
act was approved June 12th, 1823.

AN ACT to authorize the Governor
to convey certain lots of land, and
for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the people of the
State of Illinois represented in the
General Assembly, that the Governor
of said State be and is hereby auth-
orized and required to convey to
Robert K. McLaughlin, John War-
nock and Joha F. McCollum, as trus-
tees of the inhabitants of the town of
Vandalia. and to the successors of
the said trustees, a piece of land to
contain one acre and one-half of an
acre, south of and adjoining to the
town of Vandalia, for the purposes of
a burial-ground, and to include the
place which the citizens of said town
have used as a grave-yard.

Section 2. Be it further enacted.
That, for the purpose of erecting a
house of Divine worship, which shall
be free to all denominations to
preach in, the said governor is here
by required to select five lots in the

Hhoto by McLiod

town of Vandalia, and to convey the
same to the said trustees and their
successors, for the use and benefit of
the inhabitants of said town, on one
of which said lots the said house of
Divine worship shall be erected by
the said trustees or their successors,
and the four lots shall be by them
sold for the purpose of defraying thi'
expense of the said house of Divine
worship.

Section 3. Be it further enacted.
That the said piece of ground and
the lot on which the said building
may be erected shall forever remain
and be under the control of said trus-
tees and their successors, to be ap-
pointed by the actual settlers and
persons of families in the town of
Vandalia, in such manner as a ma-
jority of them may agree upon.

FLACK'S OLD IIOTHL

During the time the Ca))ital wns at Vandalia. It then stood where
the Star Store now stands, corner ofGallatin and I'ourlh Sts.

Supplemental Hct.

Afterwards, in 1835. the legislature
passed the following supplemental
act. approved February 6th, 1835:

AN ACT concerning the town of
Vandalia. Approved February G,
1835.

Section 1. That all that part of the
south exterior street in the town of
Vandalia. lying between Third Street
and the eastern boundary of said
town. be. and the «-ame is hereby de-
clared vacated, and annexed to. and
made iiart of. the public burial-ground
of said town.

Section 2. That out-lot number
three in said town. be. and the same
is hereby granted to the president
and trustees of the town of Vandalia,
to be used by them as a public burial-
ground for said town.

Section 3. That Harvey Lee, Jos.
T, Eccles and James W. Berry be.
and they are hereby appointed com-
missioners to lay oif one-half acre of
said out-lot three, to be nsed ex-
clusively for the burial of members
of the Senate and House of Repre
seii'atives. and other officers of the
gov -nment, who may decease here
in th" discharge of Iheir public du-

SOL'\"EXIR ()!• WWDALIA, ILLINOIS.

15

GEO. D. STEINHAUER.
Tcntli Mayor of Vaiidalia. Served six years, 1893, 189-i, 1897, 1898, 1901 and 1902.

16

S()L"\'EXIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

WILLIAM WEST,
Cashier T. N. Pitkin and Co.

SIDNEY B. STOUT,
Leading Mercliant.

DR. J. H. WALLACE,
A Prominent Physician.

ties, and enclose the same with a
strong and substantial fence, and it
shall be the further duty of said com-
missioners, after having performed
the duties enjoined to remove the re-
mains of John B. Emanual Canal, late
a member of the house of representa-
tives of this state, within the said en-
closure. The auditor of the public
accounts is hereby authorized and re-
quired to issue his warrant, on the
treasurer, in favor of said commis-
sioners, for a sum not exceeding fifty
dollars, to enable them to carry the
Iirovisions of this act into effect.

Ronorcd Dead.

Five persons died while in the dis-
charge of their duties as members of
the legislature, and were b\iried in

the old cemetery, and through the
munificence of the State, a monume.u
was erected to their memory. After
the new South Hill Cemetery was laid
out the monument was removed to
and erected on a desirable plat near
the entrance. The names of the gen-
tlemen were as follows: Hon. John
B. Emanuel Canal, a representative
from Madison County, was born at
Baltimore, Md,, June 24th, 1809, and
died at Vandalia December 31, 1830;
Hon, Wm. McHenry, a representativ
from White County, born October 3rd
1774, died at Vandalia February 3rd
1835; Hon. Benjamin A. Clark, a re-
presentative from Wayne County,
born February 17th, 1799, died at
Vandalia June 9th, 1836; Hon, John
Thompson, representative from Ran-

dolph County, died at Vandalia dur
ing the winter session 1830; Judge A.
F. Grant, born in Inverness, Scotland,
March 27th, 1805, died at Vandalia
June 17th, 1836.

Photo by McLeod

OLD RESIDENCK OF COL. ROBERT BL.XCKWELL.
lircctcd in tlic vcar ISoS.

Manual Labor Seminary.

The legislature in 1836 passed the
following Act, creating a Manual La-
bor Seminary.

AN ACT to incorporate the Fay-
ette County Manual Labor Seminary.

Section 1. That Harvey Lee, Wil-
liam Walters, James Black, Charles
Prentice. Ashael Lee, William Linn.
Moses Philips, J. M. Morse, N. M. Mc-
Curdy. Robert Blackwell and Francis
B. Hickman, be, and they are hereby
created a body corporate and politic,
by the name and style of the "Trus-
tees of the Fayette County Manual
T^abor Seminary," and by that style
and name to have perpetual succes-
sion. The said seminary shall be lo-
cated on some eligible situation, in
the township in which the town of
Vandalia is located.

Section 6. The said institution shall
be open to all denominations of
Christians, and the profession of any
particular religious faith shall not be
required of those who may desire to
become students in said institution.
********

Section S. This act shall be in force
from and after its passage. This bill
having been laid before the council
of revision, and ten days havin.g in-
tervened before the adjournment of
the general assembly, and the said
bill not having been returned with the
objections of the council, on the first
day of the present special session of
the General .Assembly, the same be-
comes a law.

Given under my hand, the 11th day

of July, A. D.. 1837. Thini.gh^ the

law was undoubtedly a good one, its

powers since were never carried out,

A. P. FIELD,

Secretary of the State.

SOUX'KXIR ()!•' \"AXL)ALIA, ILLINOIS.

17

HON. JOHN W. SCHENKER.
Twelfth Mayor of Vandalia and ClfrU
of the Circuit Court.

CrEORGE N. BLACK.

I'^ormer citizen of Vandalia. President

I-incoln Uljrary, Springtield. 111.

THOMAS N. PITKIX.
].<'adins Merchant. Head of the firm
of T. N. Pitkin and Co.

Hct Removing Capital.

In 1833 strong efforts were being
made for the removal of the capital
by the northern part of the state,
which was filling rapidly with settlers.
By the terms of the constitution and
the first act, this could not be done
until the expiration of twenty years,
after the first day of December, 1820.
But it was becoming evident that the
geographical center of the state would
be some distance north of Vandalia.
This did not. however, prevent her
from asserting her claims with a num-
ber of other cities.

The follow^ing act was approved Feb.
5, 1833:

AN ACT permanently to locate the
feat of government of Illinois.

Be it enacted, that at the next elec-
tion to be held in the several coun-
ties of the state for members of the
legislature, there shall be opened at
such place of voting a book, in which
shall be entered the votes of the qual-
ified voters in favor of the following
named places, as their choice for the
permanent location of the seat of
government of this state, after the
expiration of the time prescribed by
the constitution for its remaining al
Vandalia, to-wit: The geographical
center of the State. Jacksonville in
Morgan County. Springfield in Sanga-
mon County, Alton in Madison Coun-
ty. Vandalia in Fayette County, and
Peoria in Peoria County. The place
or point receiving the highest num-
ber of votes shall forever remain the
seat of government for the State of
Illinois.

Vhe Tote on Change.

At the next election held in the
several counties for members of the
legislature which was held August
4th, 1834, the vote was as follows: the
Geographical center received 790

votes; Jacksonville, 273; Springfield,
7035; Peoria, 423; Alton, 81,57; Van-
dalia, 77311.

Though Alton received the highest
number of votes, and was entitled
under the act of 1833 to be made the
permanent seat of government, this
fact was never officially declared, and
so far as the public records show, the
vote was never canvassed, nor the
matter referred to during either ses-
sion of the Ninth Assembly.

During the years 1835-(5 the matter
of the removal of the capitol from
Vandalia was freely discussed. At
that time the U. S. Government was
engaged in building the old Cumber-
land or National Road through Illi-
nois, and it was a question whether il
should be Iniilt west from V^andalia to

St. Louis or .\lton. The people of
the Southern portion of the State
were nearly unanimous for St. Louis,
while the people of the Northern part
of the State were for Alton. The
feeling became quite warm, and it
seems that the Vandalia people fa-
vored St. Louis, which so irritated the
Alton factionists that at the session
of the legislature 1836-7, to-wit; On
February 25, 1837, an act was passed
providing that the long discussed
question should be settled by joint
ballot of the two houses to be con-
vened in joint session for that pur-
pose three days after the passage of
the act. Accordingly, on February
28th, 1837, at 10 o'clock a. m., the two
houses met in joint session, and on
the fourth ballot, Springfield was

Photo bv Mcl.eod.

RESIDENCE OF T. N. PITKIN.

18

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

UEORGE LEIDIG.
Second Mayor of Vandalia.
1S7II-1S75.

Mayor

MRS. MARY MADDOX.

Deceased.

Proprietor of the Old Maddox House.

HENRY KASTEN. Deceased.
A Prominent German Citizen of Many
Years.

chosen as the new capital, receiving
73 votes, a majority over all competi
tors. On the final ballot Vandalia
received IG votes, Jacksonville, 11,
Peoria, 8: Alton, G, llliopolis 3; and
Bloomington, Shawneetown. Hillsboro,
Grafton, Caledonia and Essex 1 vote
each. It seems that the Alton fac-
tion becoming convinced they could
not get it threw their influence to
Springfield in order to get even with
the Vandalia faction on account of
the National Road question.

6oc9 to Springfield.

At the last session of the legislature
held at Vandalia the following act
was passed and was approved Feb-
ruary ]9th, 1839:

AN ACT disposing of the public
property in Vandalia. Approved
February 19th, 1S39.

Section 1. P. 134. Be it enacted by
the people of the State of Illinois, re-
presented in the General Assembly,
That the house on the public square
in Vandalia, now occupied and used
as a State House, be, and the same is
hereby granted to the president and
trustees of the town of Vandalia, and
to the County of Fayette, to be owned,
occupied, and be used by the said
corporation and county, in severalty
as follows: The west half of said
house making the center of the pass-
age below and above the line of di
vision, shall be used and occupied by
the County as a Court House, or
place of holding courts for said Coun-
ty and for public offices and shall
be under the control of the coun-
ty commissioners of said County, as
other public buildings; the east half
of the said house shall be under the
control of the said President and
trustees of the :own of Vandalia, and

used for school purposes, and such
other purposes as said President and
trustees may deem for the interest of
the inhabitants of the town, with this
condition, that if at any time here-
after, a county seminary shall estab-
lish in said county, the said east half
of said house, or such part thereof,
as may be required, shall be used and
occupied for that purpose, imder the
control and direction of the authority
which may govern the said seminary.
Section 2. The county commission-
ers of Fayette County may select a
sufficient number off stoves;, chairs
and tables out of the state house for
the tise of the Court House and
clerks' offices, which shall be deliv-
ered over to them by the persons hav-
ing charge of the same, and the pres-
ident and trustees of the town shall

also select the same description of
articles for the use of the part of the
house, granted to the corporation;
and all furniture remaining in the
house, after the selection aforesaid,
shall be delivered over to the presi-
dent and trustees of said town, to be
sold under their directions, and the
liroceeds of sales vested in a library,
for the use of the inhabitants of the
town.

Section 3, The square on which the
state house stands shall forever re-
main a public square, subject to be
enclosed and used as at present, and
never to become private jiroperty.

Section 4. All the lots owned by
the State, situated in Vandalia, which
have not been appropriated to some
use, are hereby granted to the coun-
ty of Fayette, and the County Com-

Photi) bv McLeod.

RESIDENCE OF CHAS. E. CAPFS.

SOUNT.XIR (")F WWDALIA. ILLINOIS.

19

HENRY F. JEROULI). Deceased.
Built the First Founilry and .Macliine
Shops.

JOHN GOCHENOUR.
Capitalist and Real Estate Broker.

HON. FRED RE.MANN, Dec'd.
Merchant, Member of Legislature and
Meiulier of Congress.

missioners of said County are heroliy
authorized to sell said lots, and ap-
propriate the proceeds of such sale
to the making or repairing of bridges
in the County of Fayette. This act
shall be in force from the date at
which the public offices shall be re-
moved from Vandalia.

Growth of Tandalta.

During all the time from its loca-
tion and up to the removal of the
Capital to Springfield. Vandalia con-
tinued to grow until it had reached a
population of about 2.5IH1. but from
that time on until 18.52 it rapidly de-
clined in population, and was nearly
wiped out, when the construction of
the Illinois Central Railroad through
J^he county gave it new life, and it has
slowly recuperated from its lethargy
until now it has between 3500 and
4000 inhabitants, and is growing
rapidly.

Some early Ristory.

The first frame house in Vandalia
was built by John F. McCullom. on the
lot where the Dieckmann House now
stands. The carpenter work was
done by Thomas Coats. McCullom
occupied this house and carried on a
hotel until his death, which occurred
in the year 1823. Mr. McCullom also
had the honor of being the father of
the first white child born in Fayette
County (at Vandalia), and in honor
of the new town was called Vandalia
McCullom.

The first store in Vandalia was
owned by William Kinney, and was
carried on bv Col. Charles Prentice.

Ferdinand Ernst and Frederick Hol-
man were the second persons to start
a store a few months later than Mr.
Kinney.

The first physicians in Vandalia
were Dr. Robert Beard, a native of
Kentucky, Dr. Van Fleck, a native of
New York, and Dr. Waters Baugh, a
native of Kentucky. They came to
Vandalia in lS2ii. In 1822 Dr. R. H.
Peebles, a native of Pennsylvania, a
young man of most excellent habits,
settled in Vandalia and luarried a
Miss Ernst.

The first Justice of the Peace in
Vandalia was John Baugh in 1819.

The first tailor was John Foley, who
came to Vandalia with the Ernst

Colony. He was also the first coroner
of Fayette County.

The first school was taught in Van-
dalia by a man named Jackson in the
early pari of 1819. He died before
tlie end of the school term.

Cbc Crnat Colony.

In 1819 Ferdinand Ernst, a man of
literary attainments and much merit,
settled at the new seat of government,
Vandalia, and located a colony of
Germans from Hanover, consisting of
twent.v-five or thirty families. Mr.
Ernst, at his own expense, brought
over these families, consisting of one

KESIDEXCI-: Oi-' DK. R. T. HIGGIXS.

20

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

M. FBHEN, Deceased.
Banker and Merchant, Builder of
Opera House.

DR. L. L. MOREY.
Prominent Pliysician.

GEORGE W. BROWN.
Ex-Cashier of the National Bank of
Vandalia.

hundred persons. There is no ques-
tion that Mr. Ernst did more than an.v
other person at that period to advance
the material growth of the town and
county.

The year 1820 was unusually sick-
ly, and not being acclimated, many of
the emigrants died. Among (hose
who lived and afterwards became
useful citizens may be mentioned
Fred and William Yerker, both of
whom had families; George Greeney,
with his family, and Augustus Sny-
der, who was then quite young and
a single man; Frederick Remann. Sr..
and wife, the father of the late Col.
Frederick Remann and Grandfather
of the late Hon. Frederick, who was
elected to Congress, and died before
taking his seat, the elder Remann
living but a few years after settling
here; George Leidig, Sr., and family,
soon after his arrival his wife dying,
and he married a Miss Remann, a
daughter of Frederick Remann, Sr. ;
Frederick Heinrich and family; Geo.
Rosemeyer, he marrying the widow
of Frederick Remann, Sr., who was
the mother of Col. Frederick Re-
mann; Fritz Wagemann, a single man
on his arrival with Ernst, afterwards
marrying Miss Kate Little, Not
getting along veiT amiably they were
divorced by an act of the legislature,
and three years afterward courted
her over and they were again mar-
ried and lived happily together there-
after.

The first blacksmith shop in Van-
dalia was carried on by George Rose-
meyer. above mentioned.

TZhe f iret Cavern.

The first Tavern licensed in the
town was to J. F. Eckman; the li-
cense was issued by tb(> Cnnnly Court

April 16th, 1821, and was to be known
as "Union Hall." The license was
for one year, and he paid into the
County Treasury the muniflcient sum
of eight dollars, and one dollar to the
Clerk for that privilege. He was re-
quired to give bond in the sum of two
hundred dollars, which he did with
Frederick Holman as security.

He was allowed to charge his cus-
tomers the following prices, viz:

For breakfast or i-upper 25 cents

For dinner 'i''.^ els

For night's lodging I'i'A cts

For horse feed . IH?^ cts

For horse lor night 50 cts

For *. pt. rum, wine or French brandy .;^7t< cts

For ■ . pt. peach or apple brandy 25 cts

For '- pt. of gin 25 cts

For ^ pt. of cordial 25 cts

For '" pt. of cherrv bou.Tce 25 cts

For H pt. of whisli'ey I2J< cts

Slaves in 6arlj» Days.

But few people today know that
slavery to a certain extent existed in
Illinois in the early days of the State,
but such was the fact. Col. Robert
K. McLaughlin brought with him to
Vandalia a family of five negroes. -
They soon ran away and he made no
effort to recover them.

Elijah Berry also brought a family
of negroes with him; they remained
with him and his descendants until
death. He was Auditor of Public
Accounts, and McLaughlin was State
Treasurer under the administration
of Gov. Bond at the time they came
to Vandalia. Both of these gentle-
men removed from Kaskaskia.

l-'hoto by McLeod

RESIDENCE OF MRS. C. C. WAGNER.

S()L\1':.\1R Ul- \AXUAL1A. ILLINOIS.

21

'o

-8wf I.

J. U. COLLINS.
Promiiieut Educator and Insuranci.'
Agent.

JOS. URBANL Deceased.

The Old Reliable and Leading Jeweler

of \'andalia I'or thirty-five years.

JOHN F. MADDOX.
Ei.^hlh .Mayor of the City of Van-
dalia. 1887 and 188S.

Che ftrst Bank.

The first Bank in Vandalia was or-
ganized in 1S2L and was called the
Legal Tender or State Bank. Thos.
Mather was President and James
Kelly was cashier. This bank stood
on the east side of the south gate of
the Public Square. The bank was
robbed one night in March, 1S23. and
a man najiied Russel Bottsford was
accused by Kelly as being one of the
parties who committed the robbery.
Kelly one day approached Bottsford
with a cow-hide and threatened to
whip him. The altercation grew
warm, and in the melee Bottsford
drew a knife and stabbed Kelly in
the heart, resulting in almost instant

death. The feeling grew very high
among the citizens, as both men had
been of reputable character, and had
many warm friends. This is said to
have lieen the first murder in Van-
dalia, and the county. Bottsford
was subsequently tried and acquitted.
The trial was before Judge Reynolds
in 1824. Sidney Breese, later Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the
State, was the Prosecuting Attorney,
and that eloquent and distinguished
lawyer and statesman, Edward Bates,
defended,

A few other individuals, charged
with being accessory to the robbery,
were taken out by parties known as
the "Regulators," stripped and
whipped, and were gi I'en a few hours

to leave the country. Nothing is
known of what became of them after-
wards.

About twelve years thereafter, a
Mulatto man named Jonathan Ward,
well known by many of the old set-
tlers of Vandalia, while enga,ged in
cleaning out an old stable known as
the "McCullom brick stable," came
upon three boxes containing one
thousand dollars each, in silver. He
was very much excited and alarmed
at findin.g so much money, and soon
attracted a crowd. This was part
of the money stolen from the bank.
He was given a reward of fifty dol-
lars by the bank officers for his hon-
esty as well as his luck.

Cbc Bull pen.

The Bull Pen, as it was called, was
a favorite resort of the pioneer Van-
dalians, where they would go to set-
tle their disputes. It was, more
properly speaking, the Public Pound.
II was situated a little north of Capps"
old store, abovit where the Free
Methodist Church now stands. The
municipal law of the town fnrliade
fighting. but by common consent
parlies could resort to the "Bull Pen"
anil take their satisfaction out of one
another in a free fight, to the no small
satisfaction and a.musemeni of the
gaping, lazy and fun-losing crowd.
The fight ended, the victor generally
resorted to an ad,iacent saloon, treat-
ed all parties, and shook hands with
his late antagonist over the "bloody
chasm." Such was life in the olden
time.

Photo by MuLeod

SCENE ON GALLATIN STREET.
Looking East from Illinois Central Railroad.

early Induetme.

The first Saw and Grist Mill was
built and operated by Henry, Abijah
Chauncey, William and Newlin Lee.

22

Sv^.^._iN]IR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

AMASSA H. PHILLIPS.
Deceased.
A prominent citizen and Supervisor of
Vandalia for many years.

'^

^M

lU

"

r

JOHN E. RODE,
Ninth Mayor of Vandalia. Was elect-
ed in 18S9 and served as mayor six
years: 1SS9, 90, 91, 92, 95 and 96.

G. H. DIECKMANN.
Member Legislature and prominent
merchant. Born January 10, 1826,
died April 23, 1894.

all brothers. The mill was water
power, and was located on the east
bank of the Kaskaskia River at the
foot of Main street, where the east
abutment of the Vandalia Railroad
Bridge now stands.

John Mammen had a Wind Mill
which stood on the lot where the res-
idence of G. D. Jerauld now stands.
It was possibly the second mill built
in Vandalia.

Herman Kattman also built an old-
fashioned Tread Mill which stood
where the residence of Wm. M. Fog-
ler. President of the First National
Bank, now stands.

The first Tan Yard was owned and
operated by Thomas Upfield, an Eng-
lishman, where the reservoir of the
I. C. R. R. Co. is now.

The first Telegraph Line through
Vandalia was built in 1852, and the
Hon. H. P. H. Bromwell was the
agent and operator. The line did
not remain in existance long, and on
the advent of the I. C. R. R. it was
discontinued. It was called "The
Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Co."

^bc first Church,

The "House of Divine Worship,"
authorized to be erected from the sale
of town lots by the act of 1823. was
erected on the lot where the Presby-
terian Church now stands, and was
used by all denominations for some
years after it was built, and then
passed into the hands of the Presby-
terian congregation, and occupied by
them as a house of worship until the
building of their present church. The
old church building is still standing
on a lot west of the residence of
Henry Smohl on Main street.

Che Old Capitol Building, now
County Court Rouec.

From JS39 to 1857 this building was
used jointly by the County for a
Court House, and the town for school
purposes, the w.est half by the county
and the east half by the town. In
1851 the Fayette Seminary was in-
corporated, and under its charter was
entitled to the east half of the build-
ing, to be held and used as a Semi%
nary. The trustees never organized
as an actual school under this char-

ter, but June 19, 1856, they conveyed
the property to the county of Fay-
ette. This conveyance was legal-
ized by Special Act of the Ligisla-
ture, February 15, 1S57, The pro-
ceeds of the sale, $7,000, was turned
over to the Vandalia School District,
and the Old Capitol and surrounding
.grounds have since belonged to the
County of Fayette. The building at
the time of the purchose of the east
half from the Fayette Seminary was
nearly a complete wreck, and the
County Court immediately commenced
making repairs on same. A contract

Plioto bv Mcl^eod.

•CHARTERS" HOTEL.
During the time Vandalia was Capitc

SOU\'EXIR OF \-AXDALIA. ILLINOIS.

23

JESSE MAYS.
Police Magistrate. Ex-Sheriff of Fay-
ette County.

HON. H. F. H. BROM\VEl>l.,
Deceased.
Former resident of Vandalia. Autlior
of Minority Report on Suffrage in
Colorado Constitutional Convention.

DR. RICHARD T. HIGGINS,
President Farmers and Merchants
Bank.

was entered into with Col. Thomas B.
Hickman, who put on the roof and
porticoes on the north and south sides
of the building, and in 1S58-9 a con-
tract was entered into with John Con-
dit Smith to finish the Ouilding. A
complete re-arrangement of the in-
terior was made, the jail 'jeing placed
in the northeast room on the lower
floor, where it remained until the
present jail was built. fohn Con-
dit Smith sublet the contract for all
wood work in the reconstruction of
the building to Isaac Barnett. of De
catur. Ills., who removed to Vandalia
and completed the work. After it
was finished it was '.he finest Court
House in the State of Illinois, and for
many years afterwards, and even yet
surpasses many of the Coun=:v build-
ings erected in other couniies half
a century later. Since it was re-
modeled in 1S59 many new improve-
ments have been made; die massive
brick pillars have been toyu down.
(which is a shame), and iron col-
umns put in their place. In rhe in-
terior the old vaults have been torn
out and larger and better ones have
been built, furnished with the latest
improved steel furniture, which adds
to the convenience and beauty of tlve
same.

Tandalta in 1850.

There are but few persons living
in Vandalia now that lived here in
1850, and perhaps an imperfect de-
scription of the place at that time
may be interesting to some. I will
therefore try to describe it as it ap-
peared to me.

Vandalia at that time as but a

mere hamlet, as the report of the
postmaster general shows that the to-
tal receipts of the post office for the
year before were but $48 and a few
cents. The capital of the State
having been removed from Vandalia
to Springfield in 1839, the town had
run down until it contained not more
than 30O inhabitants in 1S50. and but
for the national road runnin.g through
or rather to Vandalia, (it never hav-
ing been built any farther), it would
have been entirely wiped off the map.
At that time the present Court House,
situated in one of the most beautiful
squares in the whole state, was in a
most dilapidated condition. The east
end was used for school purposes,
having been ceded by the state by an
act of legislature to the "Fayette
Seminary." The west end was ceded
to Fayette County by same act to be
used for a court house, and for no
other purpose.

The floors in the hall-way running
north and south and in the hall-way
east and west from center of the
building were all gone, and stock of
all kinds, horses, cattle, mules and
sheep sought shelter therein from the
weather, and perhaps a few fleas and
other varmints. The present Court
room was the old representative hall,
from which the plastering had all
fallen to the floor of the hall and
filled the galery, also the east end up
stairs was in the same condition and
remained so until 1857, when the
County concluded to buy the east end
of the Court House and yard from
the Fayette Seminary and to remodel
the building for a Court House, which
was done. and the present Court
House is the result.

The County entered into a con-

tract with John Condit Smith, trans-
ferring to him all the swamp lands in
the County belonging to the County
to finish up the Court House, Isaac
Barnett doing the work.

Commencing at the river, on the
south side of Gallatin Street, the
first house stood upon the bank, and
was known as the Lee Place. The
next house west stood aliout where
the present residence of Benjamin
Rexwinkle now stands, and was used
for various purposes. The next
house west stood between Rexwinkle's
and the Washburn house, and was
used by the late Judge Galla.gher as
a law office and as the U. S. land of-
fice, of which he was registrar. The
next house west stood where the
Washburn house now stands, and was
owned and used by Col. Robert Black-
well as a residence ami general store
until he built the brick across the
street in IS.'j.T. when he sold the place
he vacated to Matthew Thompson,
who occupied it as a hotel. The
next building west across the street
was known far and wide as "Thomp-
son's Tavern," which was the head-
quarters for the "Overland Sta.ge Co."
It burned in June. 1853, and instead
of relinjlding he bou.ght out Col.
Blackwell. Next west stood the "Old
State Bank Building." a two-story
brick with a porch in front with mas-
sive pillars, and was the most impos-
ing building in the town. Thi= build-
ing, together with several others,
burned down on the 4th day of March.
1865. Across the alley stood an old
frame building which w-as occupied
by old Jake Burner, who kept a grog
shop. It stood on the ground where
Stout's grocery department now is.
Next stood a two-story frame build-

24

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

JOSEPH F. JAMES.
Ex-Circuit Clerk, Capitalist and Real
Estate Broker.

MAYOR THOS. K. JENKINS.
Ex-County Superintendent of Schools.

HENRY A. STONE.
Music dealer. Ex-Grand Master I. O.
O. F.

ing owned by Judge Ross, and occu-
pied and used as a general store, res-
idence and U. S. land office, which
had been removed from the building
east of Thompson's "Vandalia Inn" to
that place. Judge Ross being the as-
sistant registrar of the land office
under Judge Gallagher, and Aiken
Evans, who succeeded Judge Galla-
gher. In this building also was the
first telegraph office ever in Vandalia.
and Judge H. P. H. Bromwell, who
died but recently in Denver, was the
operator. The telegraph line was
called the Atlantic and Pacific. It
did not last long, and was relegated
to the "has been's" upon the advent
of railroads.

Next west, and about twenty feet
back from the street, stood a long
one-story frame building which was
occupied first by a man named Mar-
tin, as a tailor shop, and later by a
man named Albright, and later by
Charles Kincaid. All used it as a
residence and tailor shop. Next
west stood a small frame building
occupied by Dr. James T. B. Stapp
as a law office, and next, on the cor-
ner where the Star Store now stands,
stood a massive frame building which
was known as "Flack's Old Hotel,"
and was used as the headquarters for
the chirf engineer (Chas. Floyd
Jones) of the Illinois Central Rail-
road Company. Although this was
in 18.5.3 and 1854 when it was used foi-
that purpose, I do not know if it was
occupied in 1850 (u- not. This b\iild-
ing now stands on Johnson Street,
and is known as the Charlie Hem-
peler property. It was a grand hotel
dtiring the time Vandalia was the cap-
ital of the State, and many eminent
men of the State, as well as of na-
tional renown, were guests thereof.
TJncoln, Douglas. Trumbull and the
earlier governors were some of them.
This building was bought by Col. F
Remann, who occupied it for many

years as a residence and general
store. Next west, across the street
where the First National Bank now
stands, stood a two-story frame build-
ing occupied by a man named Bour-
ner as a residence and general store.
Next west, and adjoining Bourner's
store, stood a two-story frame build-
ing which, during the time Vandalia
was the capital, was used by Col.
Robert Blackwell, who published a
paper and was the first public printer
of the State. It was removed from
there to the northeast part of the city
and still stands and is known as the
John Goodbrake property.

Next west stood the well-remem-
bered "Maddox House," occupied by
Mrs. Maddox. the mother of John F.
Maddox, Ex-mayor, now a resident of
Fremont, Indiana, and grandmother
of Mrs. Geo. B. Capps, Mrs. Isaac

Leever and Landers M. Goode. of Ind-
ianapolis, as a hotel, and was known
far and wide as one of the best hotels
in the State. This building was torn
down by Judge Fouke and the pres-
ent imposing building J. W. Schenker
now occupies erected on the site. The
next building stood on the corner
where the Dieckmann House now
stands, and was at one time occupied
by John McDonald as a residence and
for a printing office. He was re-
puted to be one of the best editors
in the State. The writer did not
know him, but was well acquainted
with Mrs. McDonald and her son and
daughter. Edward and Belle McDon-
ald. They moved from Vandalia to
Peoria, 111., where John McDonald pub-
lished a paper until his death. This
building, according to ray recollec-
tion, was used by Wm. Eciiard, father

THE OLD CAPITOL AS IT NOW APPEARS.

SOU\'E\lR ol'- \'AX1).\1J.\, II.LIXCJIS.

.•*^\>

HON. JACOB FOUKE. Deceased.
Ex-Circuit Judge.

DR. GEO. \V. B.VSSinr, Deceased.
Was a Prominent and Pi)i)ular Fliy-
sician of Vandalia.

Wll. I.I.AM K.ASTEN,
Capiialist and Real Estate Bi'iiUer.

of the late P. M. Ecl^ard, ex-County
ClerVi, as a tomb stone shop. This
building was moved back on the
block by August H. Dieckmann. to-
gether with several other old build-
ings, and was known as Smokey Row
until some vandal or well-disposed
person saw fit to touch a match to it.
and it went up in fire and smoke
amidst the huzzas of the multitude,
and was known no more forever.

Across the street where now stands
the "Aragon Hotel" stood a two-story
brick house, which was known as Mc-
Laughlin's old hotel, and renowned
as having the House of Representa-
tives hold its session after the burn-
ing of the state house. The Senate
held its session in the old Presby-
terian Church at the same time. Next
west, on the lots now occupied by
the Schumann House and John Kelly
property, stood two or three log shan-
ties which were occupied by some
old negro families who had been
slaves at one time and were brought
to Vandalia and emancipated by their
former owners. Among them I re-
collect old Aunt Charlotte and her
son Brad Harris. There were no
more houses on the south side of Gal-
latin Street at that time.

On the north side of Gallatin Streel
the first house west of the river was
Wm. H. Lee's, which stood on the
block now owned bjf Mr. Walker
There were no more buildings on
that side of the street until we reach
the Hausmann corner, which was
known as Charter's Hotel when the
capital was here, and was considered
a fine hotel. Today it is, and ha?
been for many years, an eye-sore to
every one who was in favor of im-
provements. It won't burn down,
they won't tear it down and it won't
rot down, as every timber in its
frame is about two fe ^t square and
harder than iron, and getting harder
every day. Next west and adjoin-

ing same is another old fossil of a
building known as the Schert build-
ing. It has been used for nearly
everything in my recollection, resi-
dence, shoe maker's shop, saloon,
lawyer's office, doctor's office. Justice
of the Peace office, butcher shop and
barber shop. The next building that
stood west of that was the Frazer
building. It is also a disgrace to
the town, and ought to be condemned
by the City Council.

The next building west was the
residence of Dr. N. M. McCurdy,
which stood where Morey's hardware

store now stands; back in the yard
stood a small one-story brick house
which was occupied by Dr. Herrick
as a residence and doctor shop. The
next building stood on the corner
where T. N. Pitlun and Co.'s store
now stands and was known as the
Col. James Black property. It was
bought by M. Pehren in about 1852
and remodeled and used by him for
a number of years as a residence and
general store. The next building
west was a brick building which stood
where the Geo. H. Dieckmann resi-
dence now stands on the hill west of

COURT HOUSE .VFTER IT WAS KEMODELLHD
IN 1S59,

26

SOU\'EXIR OF VAXDALIA, ILLINOIS.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS ^"'^^ vandalia

WAS THE CAPITAL

^^

•M

SHADRACH BOND.

1813-1822.

Shadrach Bond was the first gov-
ernor of Illinois, being inaugurated
October 6. 1S18. before the State was
admitted to the Union. He came to
Vandalia with the Capital from Kas-
kasliia in 1819, and served as gov-
ernor until 1823. He was born in
Frederick County, Maryland, 1773.
He was a delegate to the twelfth and
fifteenth Congresses from Indiana
Territory during the stirring times of
1812-1814. and previous to his elec-
tion to Congress he had served sev-
eral terms as a member of the gen-
eral assembly of that territory. Mr.
Bond was six feet in height, and
weighed about 200 pounds. He was
dark complexioned, had black hair
anrl hazel eyes. He died April 11.
1830.

EDWARD COLES.
1823-1826.

Edward Coles was second governor
of Illinois, succeeding Mr, Bond in
1823, serving until 1827. He was
born in Albemarle Co., Virginia in
1786, and before coming to Illinois
was the private secretary of Presi-
dent Madison, 1809-1815. During the
latter year, he resigned and was sent
on a special mission to Russia, bear-
ing important papers concerning mis-
understanding between our country
and Russia. Though raised in a
slave state, he did not believe in
slavery, and when he left Virginia in
1819, for Edwardsville. Illinois, he
brought all his slaves with him. and
after reaching an anti-slavery state,
gave them their freedom. He died
July 7, 186S in Philadelphia, and is
l)uried there.

NINIAN EDWARDS.
1827-1830.

Ninian Edwards, governor from
1827-1830, was born in Maryland in
1775, At an early age he located in
Kentucky, running a farm for his
father. He was elected to the legis-
lature to that state from Nelson
County before he was 21 years of
age, and was Chief Justice of Ken-
tucky before he was 32 years of age.
Illinois was organized as a special
territory in 1809, when Mr. Edwards
was serving as Chief Justice of Ken-
tucky. President Madison appointed
him as the first territorial governor
of Illinois. He served in that capac-
ity until 1818, being succeeded by
Oovernor Bond, Edwards being elect-
ed to U, S. Senate. Edwards County
and Edwardsville were both named
for him. He died in 1833.

the I. C. R. R., and west of that was
a forest.

On the east side of the Public
Square there were but two buildings,
the old "Burner House," which was
erected by Ferdinand Ernst, a wealthy
German who brought quite a colony
of Germans here to settle. This
building at the time was a very im-
posing one. It was used for various
purposes, residence, hotel, lawyer's
office, doctors' offices, etc.. etc. It
finally burned down. Next stood
Habich's harness shop, and was used
as a post office from 1857 to 18fil.

On the north side of the Pul>lic
Square stood first the Presbyterian
Church on southeast corner of the
block. That building still stands, it
having been moved to a lot on the
north side of the Vandalia railroad,
just west of Henry Smohl's residence.
Next west of the church stood the
old McLaughlin mansion. Every old
settler remembers that house as one
of the most hospitable places on
°arth. Aunt Mac, the good old soul,
V. ■'! always be remembered by those

who were boys and girls at that
time, and grown men and women in
after days, for her kindness and
courtesy to them. A party every
Christmas and New Year, and gifts
for all. She was the sister of Shad-
rach Bond, the first Governor of the
State of Illinois, and by the way,
that house was at one time the Gov-
ernor's mansion. Next west stood
Christian Sonnemann's cabinet shop
in front, and in the rear of it his resi-
dence. Next came one, the most im-
portant house in town, if not the most
important one in Southern Illinois,
the old Capps store and residence.
Here was done the largest wholesale
and retail business in Southern Illi-
nois, and prices for commodities were
ruled from Vandalia to New Orleans
by what Capps priced them at. There
you could buy anything and every-
thing, dry goods, wet goods, a needle
or a crow bar, a mouse or an elephant.
He even sold "goose yokes." There
is no use to describe that building.
It still stands. Look at it. On the
block west of Capps' store stood the

Green Tree Hotel, kept by Thomas
Redmond, and was known far and
wide; also on the same block, just
south of the M. E. Church, stood the
old county jail, a two-story log struc-
ture which stood till 1860, when the
Court House was finished, and the jail
wa? ouilt inside of it, and occupied
the room now occupied by the county
treasurer.

There was but one other building
west of the Green Tree Hotel on the
north side of Main street, and that
was the residence of Simeon Per-
kins. It was a log house, and stood
where the Perkins residence now
stands. On the south side of Main
street, west from Capps' store, just
where the freight house of the I. C.
railroad now stands, stood Michael
Lynch's wagon shop, and when he
made a wagon, he made one. They
were like himself, strictly honest.
West of the wagon shop and away
out, where mw stands the Standard
Oil Company's tanks, was the resi-
dence of Col. Greenup. He was t'
surveyor that laid out and platted t

S(^r\F,XIR ( )!■ \ WDAM \. 1 1 ,1 .1 .\( )IS.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS ^ ' " vanha, ,a

WAS THE CAPITAL

JOHN REYNOLDS.
1831-1834.

John Reynolds, fourth governor of
Illinois, was born in Pennsylvania in
17SS, and came with his parents to
Kaskaskia in ISOO, where he was ad-
milted to the bar in 1S12. In ISIS,
he was elected Associate Justice of
the Supreme Court, which position he
filled until 1S30, when he was elected
governor. During his term of office
the Black Hawk War occurred.
He, with others, built the first rail-
road in the Mississippi Valley in 1837,
the road being six miles lont, and
running from a coal mine in the Mi;>
sissippi Bluff to the bank of the river
opposite St. Louis, horses being use;!
as motive power. He was elected to
Congress in 1834, and served several
terms. He died in Bellville, May
186.5.

WM. LEE D. EWING.
Served 15 Days.

Wm. Lee n. Ewing was llir fifth
governor of the Stale, and served jus'
fifteen days, being president of the
state senate when Governor Rey-
nolds was elected to Congress in Au,g-
ust. 1S34. Reynolds resigned as
.governor on November 3 of that year,
and the tenn of Joseph Duncan, who
was elected governor in August, did
not begin until the ITtli of November,
and Ewing served the fifteen days^ in-
tervening. Ewing was a colonel in
the Black Hawk War, and was elect-
ed to the U. S. Senate. He was born
in Kentucky, and previotis to his elec-
tion to the state senate, had been re-
ceiver of public money at Vandalia.
!n 1842 he was elected state audit(jr
on the ticket with Governor Ford.
He died March, 1S46.

JOSEPH DUNCAN.
1834-1838.

Joseph Duncan was the sixth and
last governor of Illinois while the
capital was at Vandalia. He was
born in Kentucky in 1794. In 1826
he defeated the redoubtable John P.
Cook for Congress, being the first
man ever able to ,get more votes than
Cook. He remained in Congress
until he was elected governor of the
State. It was during his term the
removal of the state capital from
Vandalia was decided, which is men-
tioned elsewhere in this book. Gov-
ernor Duncan was the Whig candi-
date for the .governorship in the year
1S42. |]ni was defeated by Thomas
Ford, democrat. The miu'der of
I01i.j,ih P. Lovejoy, abolitionist leader,
occurred during Duncan's term as
governor. Duncan died Jan. 1.5, 18 tl.

town of Vandalia. On the west side
of the public square stood the house
just torn down, north of the Masonic
hall, which was several times used
as a post oflice.

Just south of this stood the old
Athenaeum, which was used when
this was the capital as a theatre. It
was a very lar.ge frame building, and
afterwards was owned and used by E.
Capps as a ware house for storing
and manufacturing of tobacco.

There were but few other buildings
in town at the time. They included
the Berry property, where James Kel-
ley's residence now stands: the Col.
Prentice property, where the late
Judge Fouke's residence stands; the
old Cottman place, where stood the
residence of Herman Cottman and his
old tread mill, now owned by W. M.
Fogler; the old Wilcox place, now
owned by Chas. G. Smith; the Col.
Field property, now owned by Miss
Josie Gregory; the Henry G. Habich
place, now owned by James M. Albert.
'■^q.; the Caruthers place, now owned
^ Mrs. J. M, McCord; the Kennedy

rlace now owned by H. S. Humphrey:
the old Ashel Lee place, now owned
by E. Roe; the old Bolton place, which
stood just north of Dr. Higgins' resi-
dence, and few scattering old houses
on the river bank. One old notable
building was the "Jlammen Water
Mill," which stood down in the town
branch bottom west of the grist mill,
now owned by Mr. Perkins. The
leading families in 18.50 were the
Berry's, Edmonson's. Stapp's. Pren-
tice's, McLaughlin's. Sonnemann's,
Forman,'s. Ross', Blackwell's, Gre-
gory's. Gordon's, Lynche's, Maddox's,
Greenup's, Leidi.g's and Booth's.
There were not many, but they were
all true and tried friends, and lived
to.gether in peace, love and harmony.

On the southwest corner of the
block, where stood the John McDon-
ald building, sttxid at one time the old
Leidi.g residence, and at the time
spoken of in this writin.g stood
Spence's sawmill, which burned down
by reasons of some persons bein.g in
the mill one night playing cards.
They stuck their candle in the saw

dust and got so drunk they fell asleep
and the candle burned down and set
the mill on fire, they barely escaping
with their lives.

Back of the Frazer buildin.g Herman
Ernst had a turnin.g lathe, run by
tread mill with an old blind horse,
and Herman's "dit oop" was a fa-
miliar sound to the ears of the boys
when it was running, and woe to
them if Herman caught them lurking
around.

West of Col, Black's building, and
where Fred Steinhauer's saloon and
John Mockler's ci.gar store now stand,
Samuel Spence had a turnin,g lathe,
which was run by hor-e or oxen i)ow-
er. There also stood an old buildin.g
whei-e Mrs. Wagner's residence now
stands. It was a large frame build-
ing, and was used at the time I write
of by Michael and John Braunworth
as a blacksmith shop. What it was
used for at first I do not recollect.
There was also onC other building
which I did not mention. It stood
where Miss Lucy Sonnemann's resi-
dence now stands. It is still in ex-

28

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

F. M. ECKARD. Deceased,
Ex-County Clerk.

JOHN BRODBECK,
Of Brodbeck Bros. Meat Merchants.

DR. ROLLIN E. BEACH, Deceased,
An Eminent and Noted Surgeon.

istence, and stands on the lot west of
the Charlie Humpeler place.

Where the County jail now stands
was the first school house I remem-
ber.

Between the residence of John Mc-
Afee and Dan Wright, a little west,
stood an old frame building, occupied
by Uncle Barney Stewart, an old ne-
gro who was noted for raising fine
apples, peaches and pears, and his
orchard was very frequently visited
stealthily by the boys in search of the
same, and they generally found it,
provided old Uncle Barney was not
at home.

Another old stand-by was Upfield's
tan yard, which stood near the spring
on Mrs. Jenk's place where the pump
house of the I. C. R. R. Co. is now lo-
cated.

Tandalta'B Civic Life.

We give below the boards of trus-
tees from 1862 to 1869, and after them
the City officials down to date. To
all old residents the list is interest-
ing without any comment. During
the most of the period covered liy
the village organization Vandalia
was exceedingly small in population.
According to census department, the
population from the time the census
was first returned was as follows:

1850 419

1860 1145

1870 1771

1880 2056

1890 2144

1900 2665

We give also a full list of city offi-
cers from the first incorporation.
There is, of course, an interesting
political and local history connected
with each administration, but this

history will have to be supplied or
read between the lines by the old
residents.

BOARDS OF TRUSTEES.

In 1S62 — The Town Board consisted
of five trustzees. viz: — Henry F. Je-
rauld, President; John Frazer, Treas-
urer; Joshua W. Ross. Clerk; Andrew
Heiz and James Cater.

In 1863 — H. F. Jerauld, President;
John Frazer, Treasurer; Joshua W.
Ross, Clerk; Andrew Heiz and James
Cater. Charles W. Jenks was As-
sessor and John Kelly. Collector.

In 1864 — Frederick H. Bagg, Presi-
dent; John Frazer, Treasurer; Joshua

W. Ross, Clerk; Andrew Heiz and
James Cater.

In 1865 — Simeon Perkins, Presi-
dent; John Frazer, Treasurer; Jacob
Fouke, Clerk; Emanuel Ireland, Wm.
Chandler and Andrew Heiz.

In 1866— Henry P. Collins, Presi-
dent; John Frazer. Treasurer; Joshua
W. Ross. Clerk; Andrew Heiz and
Wm. Chandler.

In 1867 — William Watkins, Presi-
dent; John Frazer, Treasurer; Joshua
W. Ross. Clerk; Andrew Heiz. Fran-
cis P. Bradley and James M. White-
man.

In 1868 — James O. Henry. Presi-
dent; Chas. C. Wagner. Treasurer;

i/'

i?fe

^'i

«^

'^t

RESIDENCE OI- THE LATE J. P. VAN DOKSTON,
Where tbiee U. S. Senators, Logan, Palmer and Cullom, were entertained.

SOUVKXIR ()!• N'.WDALIA. ILLINOIS.

29

RE\'. HUGH \V. TODD. Deceased.
Pastor of Presbyterian Church tor
25 Years.

HON. A. J. GALLAGHER. Deceased.
Ex-Judge of Circuit Court.

JULIUS L. BURTSCHI,
V'andalia's Most Prominent Real
tate Agent.

Es-

Joshua W. Ross. Clerl;; James Breeze,

Isaac Barnett and Col. Ferris Forman.

This was the last board of trustees.

CITY OFFICIALS.

The municipal government incor-
porated as a City under a special
Charter, and at the first election held
under the charter the following were
elected, viz:

1S60— Chas. C. Wagner, Mayor; H.
M. Hickman. Clerk; Ziba S. Swan,
City Attorney; Geo. W. Brown, Treas-
urer, and Jlontgomery Hickman,
Charles Humpeler, Benjamin Capps,
Chas. Stahl, Henry Kasten and James
M. Whiteman. Aldermen.

1870 — Geo. Leidig. Mayor; Robert
A Lyttle, Clerk; and James M. White-
man, Benjamin Capps, Chas Hum-
peler, George W. Brown, Theodore
Odell and John Hill, Aldermen.

1871 — Geo. Leidig. Mayor; Robert
A. Campbell. Clerk; and George W.
Brown, John Hill, Theodore Odell,
Charles G. Smith, Henry Kasten and
Christian A. Sonnermann. Aldermen.

1872 — George Leidig. Mayor; Ed-
win M. Ashcraft. Clerk; and C. A.
Sonnemann. Henry Kasten, Theodore
Odell, Charles G. Smith. Henry Bren-
non and William Hankins. Aldermen.

1873 — James M. Whiteman. Mayor:
Benjamin Capps, Clerk; and Henry
Kasten, Isaac Slusser, Webb S. Har-
mony, Theodore Odell, William Han-
kins and Henry Brennon, Aldermen.
Brennon resigned, and C. H. West
was appointed in his place.

1874 — James M. Wliiteman. Mayor;
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; and Isaac
Slusser. Webb S. Harmony, Charles
F. Johnson. John N. McCord. Henry
Kasten, Aldermen; R. A. Campbell.
City Attorney and James H. Johnson.
T^sasurer.
^"S75 — George Leidig, Mayor; Ben-

jamin Capps, Clerk; Andrew Schutz,
Charles E. Capps. John N. McCord,
Chas. F. Johnson. Albert Conner and
F. M. Eckard. Aldermen. Eckard re-
moved from ward from which he was
elected, and John Goodbrake was
elected to fill his place, A. B. Mc-

Donald, City Attorney; and James H.
Johnson. Treasurer.

1876 — ^William Sonnemann. Mayor;
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; F. M. Eckard,
Andrew Schutz. Chas. W. Higinbotom,
John Goodbrake. Chas. F. Johnson,
Albert Conner, Aldermen; R. A.

RESIDENCE OF COL. K. K. McLAUGHLlN,

Occupied by Gov. Bonrl as Governor's Mansion during his
term as Governor. /

30

SorXT'XTR OF \-A\T)ArJA, ILLINOIS.

J. H. IRISH.
Deputy County Clerk.

C. F. COLEMAN.
State Senator and Editor of Vandalia
Leader.

A. S. McKELLAR,
Manager Postal Telegraph Cable Corn-

Campbell. Attorney and James M.
W hiteman, Treasurer.

1S77 — William Sonnemann. Mayor:
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; Chas. W.
Higinbotom. Dennis Cullity, Andrew
Schutz, Charles F. Johnson, Albert
Conner and F. M. Eckard. Aldermen;
B. H. Chapman. City Attorney; Jas.
M. Whiteman. Treasurer.

1S78 — George W. Brown. Mayor:
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; Andrew
Schutz. F. M. Eckard. Dennis Cullity.
Luther Easterday. James H. Johnson,
Albert Conner. Aldermen; John P.
VanDorston. City Attorney; Chas. F.
Johnson, Treasurer.

1S79 — James M. Whiteman. Mayor;
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; Andrew
Schulz. T>uther Easterday. Ludwig

Hausmann. Henry P. Collins, James
H. Johnson and George Leidig, Alder-
men; S. H. Pettibone, City Attorney,
and William M, Farmer. Treasurer.

ISSii' — William Sonnemann. Mayor;
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; Ludwig Haus-
mann, John F. Maddox, Henry P. Col-
lins. W. L -Matherly, George Leidig
and Frederick Remann, Aldermen;
Geo. C. Hausmann, Treasurer.

ISSl— F. M. Eckard. Mayor; Benja-
min Capps. Clerk; John F. Maddox.
W. G. Thompson. George W. Mabry,
W. I. Matherly. Fred Remann and
John M. Eshleman, Aldermen; A. B.
McDonald. City Attorney; George
Getches, Treasurer.

1S82 — Emanuel Ireland. Mayor;
Chas. B. Lessing. Clerk; William G.

'ffL/r

THli OLD SBMINAKY HriLDIXG lU'ILT L\ 1857.

Thompson, Geo. D. Steinhauer, Geo.
W. Mabry, Geo. D. Day, J. M. Eshle-
man and Wm. Henry, Aldermen; Mi-
chael Lynch. Jr.. Treasurer.

1SS3 — James M. Whiteman, Mayor;
Benjamin Capps, Clerk; Geo. D.
Steinhauer, John F. Maddox, Geo. D.
Day, John E. Rode. W'm. Henry a'.d
George Leidig, Aldermen; Frank M
Cox. City Attorney; Landers M.
Goode. Treasurer.

1884— Chas. C. Wagner. Mayor;
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; H. D. Smith.
F. M. Eckard. L. E. Morey, Jesse
Mays, John E. Rode, James B. Benny-
hoff. James O. Henry, Joseph Rummol
and Robert Neill, Aldermen; Wm. M.
Fogler. City Attorney; Peter Casey.
Treasurer.

1885 — Chas. C. Wagner. Mayor;
Benjamin Capps. Clerk; H. D. Smith.
L. E. Moi-ey, F. M. Eckard, James B.
Bennyhoff. John E. Rode, J. O. Henry,
Joseph Rummel and Robert Neill.
Aldermen; W. M. Fogler, City Attor-
ney; Peter Casey, Treasurer.

1886— Chas. C. Wagner. Mayor; J.
H. Ringe. Clerk; Wm. Reed. H. D.
Smith. Joseph Urbani. John E. Rode.
Charles Dinges. Jr.. Benjamin Bing-
ham, J. O. Henry. H. A. Bingaman
and S. M. Leever. Aldermen; John J.
Brown. City Attorney; John IJlley.
Treasurer.

1S87— John F. Maddox. Mayor; J.
H. Ringe. Clerk; Chas. L. Dinges. Jr..
L. E. Morey, John N. McCord. J. N.
Henning. James B. Bennyhoff, Patrick
Cleary. John M. Eshleman. John Mam-
men and James Chandler. Aldermen;
Frank M. Cox. City Attorney; Benja-
min Capps. Treasurer.

1S8S— John F. Maddox. Mayor; J.
H. Ringe. Clerk; Chas. L. Dinges. Jr.,
L. E. Morey. John N. McCord. J. N.
Henning. James B. Bennyhoff. Patrick
Cleary. John M. Eshleman. John
Mammen and James Chandlier, Alder-
men; Frank M. Cox. City Altorney:
Benjamin Capps, Treasurer.

SOUN'I'IXIR ()!■■ WWDALIA, ILLINOIS.

iil

MARTIN F. HOUSTON.
Leading Hardware Merchant of Van-
dalia.

G, E. DIECKMANN,
Secretary Board of Trustees I. O. O.
P. Old Folks Home, Mattoon. 111.

CAPT. THOS. W. DODGE.
Passenger and Freight Ag't 1. C. rt.
R.. and Vandalia Line for 20 years.

1SS9— John E. Rode, Mayor; J. H.
Ringe. Clerk; John R. McAfee. Ferdi-
nand Smith, Geo, H. Martin, Henry
Brennon. J. N. Henning. Julius
Schulte. Robert Neill, Peter Perry and
George Smith, Aldermen; John A,
Bingham. City Attorney; A. M. Lee-
ver. Treasurer.

1S90— John E. Rode. Mayor; J. H.
Ringe. Clerk; Geo. H. Martin, John R.
McAfee. Robert Neill. Peter Perry. J.
R. Schulte. George Smith, Henry
Brennon, J. N. Henning and W. F.
Smith, Aldermen; John A. Bingham.
City Attorney; A. M. Leever, Treas-
urer.

1S91 — John E. Rode. Mayor; A. C.
Walter. Clerk; Thos. W. Ritchey. J.
R. Schulte, John Phillips, James Wil-
liams, Henry C. Brown, James E.
Bennyhoff, Fred Remann, S. M. Lee-
ver and W. M. Laughlin. Aldermen;
John A. Bingham, City Attorney; W.
M. Little. Treasurer.

1892— John E. Rode, Mayor; A. C.
Walter. Clerk; Henry C. Brown. Wni.
M. Laughlin. J. R. Schulte. S. M. Lee-
ver. James Williams. Jas. B. Benny-
hoff. John Phillips. Thos. W. Ritchey
and Fred Remann. Aldermen; John A.
Bingham. City Attorney; W. i\L Lit-
tle. Treasurer.

1893 — Geo. D. Steinhauer. Mayor;
A. C. Walter. Clerk; J. S. Chapman,
Daniel Kelley, S. M. Leever. J. R.
Myers. W. F. Smith and J. R. Schulte.
Aldermen; J. F. Blanken=hip. City At-
torney; Howard Ireland. Treasurer.

1894 — Geo. D. Steinhauer. Mayor;
A. C. Walter. Clerk; Chas. E. Capps.
S. M. Leever. J. R. Myers. Alex Reed,
W. F. Smith and J. R. Schulte, Alder-
men; J. F. Blankenship. City Attor-
ney; Wm. O. Ireland. Treasurer.

1895— John E. Rode. Mayor; A. C.
Walter. Clerk; Geo. B. Capps. Max C.
Hermann. George Leidig. Chas. E.
Capps. Alex Reed and W. F. Smith,
Aldermen; J, F. Blankenship, City At-

torney; James H. Johnson, Treasurer.

1S96— John E. Rode, Mayor; A. C.
Walter. Clerk; William O. Ireland.
John R. McAfee, W. F. Smith. J. H.
Browning. Max C. Hermann and Geo.
Leidig. Aldermen; J. F. Blankenship.
City Attorney; James H. Johnson.
Treasurer.

1S97 — Geo. D. Steinhauer. Mayor;
A. C. Walter. Clerk; J, R. Schulte.
Max C. Hermann. Daniel Kelly, J. H.
Browning. Wm. O. Ireland and W. F.

Smith, Aldermen; J. F. Blankenship,
City Attorney; John H. .\Iammen,
Treasurer.

1898- Geo. D. Steinhauer. Mayor;
A. C. Walter. Clerk; Ferdinand Hen-
ning. Geo. B. Capps. C. A. Shepley,
Max C. Hermann. Daniel Kelly and J.
R. Schulte, Aldermen; J. F. Blanken-
ship. City Attorney; John H. Mam-
men. Treasurer.

1899— J. R. Schulte, Mayor; Jas. O.
G\iinn. Clerk; Daniel Wright, F. L.

VAXDALLV HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
One of the Finest in tlic State.

32

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

J. \V. LOCKART,
Livery and Horse Buyer.

AUGUST BKOUBECK.
Of Brotlbeck Bros. .Meat .Merchants.

WM. W. SHONK,
Proprietor of Butcher Block Factory.

Rice, John H. Mammen. C. A. Shep-
ley, F. C. Henning and Geo. B. Capps.
Aldermen; J. F. Blaukenship, City
Attorney; Isaac N. Leever. Treasurer.

1900 — J. R. Schulte, Mayor;
Jas. O. Guinn, Clerk; Chas. A. Clark,
Geo. B. Capps. Robt. V. Chadwick.
F. L. Rice, John H. Mammen and
Daniel Wright, Aldermen; J. F.
Blankenship,' City Attorney; Isaac N.
Leever, Treasurer.

1901 — Geo. D. Steinhauer. Mayor;
Chas. L. Rummel, Clerk; Geo. Smith,
J. R. Myers, H. A. Bingaman, Chas.
Clark, Geo. B. Capps and Robert V.
Chadwick, Aldermen; S. A. Prater,
City Attorney; B. F. Henry, Treas-
urer.

1902 — Geo. D. Steinhauer, Mayor;
Chas. L. Rummel, Clerk; C. A. Clark,
Geo. B. Capps, Robert V. Chadwick,
H. A. Bingaman, J. R. Myers and Geo.
Smith, Aldermen; S. A. Prater, City
Attorney; B. F. Henry, Treasurer.

1903 — John W. Schenker, Mayor;
Robert, Hickman, Clerk; Geo. Smith,
Louis Volberg, J. R. Myers, E. P. Clay-
ton, Geo. B. Capps and Robert V.
Chadwick, Aldermen; Fred Remann,
City Attorney: John H, Mammen,
Treasurer.

This is a complete list of the city's
officials up to and including 19ii3.
This part of this book going to press
before the 1904 elections prevents
the officials for that year l)eing in-
serted.

T,indaHa and its Hddittona.

Since the original plat of Vandalia
was made, the following adililions
have been laid out and adib'd to !he
city:

Jackson and Henry's .Vilililion Laid

out by George L. Jackson and I". '\\'.
Henry December 14, 18(59.

South Vandalia — Laid out Decem-
ber 4, 1869, by Teris Greathouse and
C, C. Wagner.

Hickman's Additioni — Laid out Sep-
tember 6, 1854, by Thos. B. Hickman.

Capps' First Addition — Laid out
August 22, 1857, by E. Capps.

Capps' Second Addition — Laid out
January 2, 1861, by E. Capps.

McCurdy's Northern Addition — Laid

out May, 1861, by N. M. McCurdy.

White's Addition — Laid out May 19,
1854, by Robert F. White,

Reed's Addition — Laid out April 30,
1867, by Thomas Reed.

Greathouse's Addition. — Laid out
April 30, 1867, by Teris Greathouse.

McCurdy's Western Addition' — Laid
out September 7, 1854, by N. M. Mc-
Curdy.

Henry's Addition. Sub O L 54 —
Laid out — no date — by B. W. Henry.

WM. vS()NNI-:.\lANN.

I'ourth Mayor of Vaiiil.ilia, in IMTC, ISTTand issn.

SOU\'EXIR OF \"AXUALIA. ILLINOIS.

33

CAPT. JOSEPH T. ECCLES. Dec'd.

JOHN WHEELER, Deceased,
An 01(1 and Respected German Citizen

COL. P^ERRIS FORMAN, Deceased.

Remann's Addition — Laid out July
14, 1881, by Fred Remann.

Mobille's Addition — Laid out by F.
Mobille May 14, 1902.

Washburn's Addition — Laid out by
Ella M. Washburn, March 26, 1895.

Fram's First Addition — Laid out by
R. S. Fram. Sr.. August 24, 1S96.

Hausmann's East Park Addition —
Laid out by Minnie L. Hausraann May
23, 1894.

North Park Addition' — Laid out by
Anna E. Dieckmann and Jacol) Fo\ike
August 6, 1891.

South Park Addition — Laid out by
J. L. Burtschi December 18, 1891.

Fair Ground Addition — ^Laid out by
the Fair Ground Association June 10,
1887.

Henry's Addition. Sub of O. L. 9
and 10 — Laid out November 26. 1883,
by B. W. Henry.

Collins and Wagner's Addition —
Laid out by H. P. Collins and C. C.
Wagner and D. Palmer December 9,
1882 — a re-survey of Greathouse's
Addition.

Thompson's First Addition — Laid
o\it by W. G. Thompson December 20,
1882.

Walters' Addition — ^No plat record-
ed. See Surveyors' Record.

Brown and West's Additon^ — Laid
out May 22. 1874. by Geo. W. Brown
and C. H. West.

Tandalta'a Social Side.

During the time the capital was at
Vandalia. it was the social center of
*he State. Its prominent residents
were composed of families originat-
ing from the old puritan stock of the
East, and the wealthy and aristo-
cratic families of the South. Taken
together a more cultured, refined and
intelligent group of people were never

congregated in as small a place as
V^andalia was at that time.

It was the custom of the society
people from nearly every part of the
State to spend their winters here dur-
ing the sessions of the Legislature,
during which time it was one con-
tinuous round of receptions, balls,
parties and private theatricals.

Among the families residing here
at that time, and which were the
most prominent, were those of the
Governors Bond, Coles, Edwards, Rey-

■jJTyit*"^ '

nolds, Duncan and Carlin (who re-
sided here during their terms of of-
fice), Col, Elijah C. Berry, Claybourne
Berry, Isaac L. Berry, Col. Robert K.
McLaughlin, Gen'l. Wm. Lee D. Ew-
ing, G. C. Wood, Col. Chas. Prentice,
Col. James T. B. Stapp, Col. Wm. C.
Greenup, Levi Davis. Dr. Edmondson,
Col. Alex P. Field, Col. Ferris For-
man. Col. James Black, Col. Wm.
Hodge, Col. Robert Blackwell, Capt.
Wm. Linn, Wim. H. Brown, Col. Thos.
B. Hickman, Francis B. Hickman. Col.

DR. FKAXCIS B. HALLEK, Dcc'd.
Vanilalia's most prominent Physician for over 40 years.

34

SUUX'EXIR OF N'ANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

WILLIAM REED,
Ex-Supervisor of Clinton Division of
I. C. R. R.

OWEN DUFFY,
Hotel Proprietor of Dieckman House.

JAMES KELLY.
A Prominent Citizen and Real Es-
tate Owner.

John Dement, Col. Abner Black, Col.
Lemuel Lee, Col. Asahal Lee. Wm. H.
Lee. Benjamin F. Lee. Henry Snyder,
John D. Gorin, J. R. Gorin, Col. Frede-
rick Remann. Col. Geo. Leidig, Capt.
Joseph T. Eccles, Moses Phillips.
Joshua W. Ross, the Goudy's, Andrew
Bourland. John A. Wakefield, Bbe-
neezer Capps. Whitlock, Ferdinand
Ernst, Allen McPhail, John York
Sawyer, John Warnock. William Mc-
Connell, Henry Smith. William Wal-
ters. John Maddox, John Frazer, Peter
McDuff, Herman C. Ernst. L. Haus-
mann. David Schert, Frederick King
and David B. Hodge.

Those residing here later on were
the families of Rev. Joseph Gordon.
J. W. O'Brien, Henry G. Habich. Lewis
M. Habich, Michael Lynch. Daniel
Gregory, Mathias Fehren. Mathew
Thompson. Chas. Floyd Jones, Dr. F.
B. Haller. C. A. Sonnemann. Edward
Wolcott, George Crocker, George W.

Peck, Conrad Dieckmann, Geo. H.
Dieckmann, August H. Dieckmann,
Michael Steinhauer. Daniel Stein-
hauer, Heni-y Kasten. Peter Benny-
hoff, the Boothe's, David Palmer.
Tevis Greathouse. Jacob Fouke. Oscar
F. Hinton, Dr. Alfred D. Stearns, Dr.
Thomas Wilkins, John Mammen, Jas.
W. Stolle, N. M. McCurdy, Wyatt S.
Berry, H. P. H. Bromwell, P. G. Nel-
lis, Chas. W. Jenks, Chas. W. Higiu-
botom, Geo. R. Fitch. Jas. M. White-
man. Duncan Johnson. Chas. Johnson,
Montgomery Hickman, Simeon Per-
kins. Henry W. Goode. J. N. McCord.
D. C. McCord, F. S. McCord, Henry F.
Jerauld. Col. Robert H. Sturgess.
Henry Kasten, Dr. Geo. W. Bassett.
Ebenezer Cheney, John G. Phillips,
Joseph Rummel. Amassa H. Phillips.
John McDonald. James Kennedy. E.
Ireland, Geo. Meek and Andrew Heiz.
These later families all antedate
the civil war, since which time many

THE FERDINAND ERNST HOUSE.

Ereceted soon after his arrival in Vanrlalia in 1 819. Also the old
Post Office occupied Idv II. ("t. Haoich from IS53 to 1857.

prominent families have moved in and
sprung up. Among these are the
families of Hon. B. W. Henry. Hon.
John P. VanDorston. Hon. Charles G.
Smith. Hon. Frederick Remann. Hon.
Wm. M. Farmer, Hon. Edwin M.
Ashcraft. now a resident of Chicago;
Hon. Samuel Stevenson. Hon. R. T.
Higgins. Hon. John J. Brown, Hon.
Wm. M. Fogler, Hon. Geo. T. Turner,
Hon. John H. Webb, Dr. Thomas G.
Hickman, Dr. Rollin E. Beach, Dr.
Chas. R. Bassett, Dr. J. Wier Weist-
ling. Dr. L. L. Morey, Dr. J. H. Wal-
lace, Dr. Geo. Greer, Dr. Wayne B,
Pike, now of Los Angeles, Cal.; Dr.
F. L. Rice, H. S. Humphrey, Isaac
Barnett. William Watkins, removed
to California, and died there several
years ago: Rev. Hugh W. Todd, Sid-
ney B. Stout. George W. Brown. John
Gochenour. Henry J. Gochenour.
Frederick C. Humphrey. John J.
Schneider. Prof. John D. Collins, Jos.
Urbani. Fred Gerdes. now of San
Jose. Cal.; Edward L. Wahl, Owen
Duffy, Lewis Walker, J. C. Gerichs
and C. W. Gerichs. now of San Jose,
Cal.; John F. Maddox, now of Fre-
mont, Ind.; David A. Waterman. Lan-
ders M. Goode. now of Indianapolis;
Gorton D. Jerauld. William Sonne-
mann. Charles G. Sonnemann. Fred
Emmel. Chas. F. Emmel. Geo. D.
Steinhauer, Wm. W. Shonk, James B.
Ray, Dr. H. D. Smith. Ezekiel Roe,
John D. Ferine, F. I. Henry, William
Henry, B. F. Henry, Wm. Reed, Jos,
Reed, Alex Reed. Benjamin Capps.
Chas. E. Capps. Thos. Capps. Geo. B.
Capps. Thos. N. Pitkin. Joseph A.
Gordon. Chas. C. Wagner, P. M. Eck-
ard. P. C. Eckard. Jesse Mays, Jame?
A. Boggs. Thos. W. Ritchey, Geo. .\.
Dieckmann, Carl Dieckmann. Geo E.
Dieckmann. Henry A. Stone. John A.
Bingham. Col. John B. Washbuiu. C.
Floyd Easterday. Luther Eastorday.
Harry Sturgess. Thos. N. Lakin.

SorXF.XIR ()!•■ WWDAI.IA. llJ.IXolS.

35

.^■^'«^

JAMES M. WHITEMAN,
Third .Mayor of Vandalia, 1S73-1SS3.

C. A. SONNElMANN.

REV. JOSEPH UORDON. Deceased.
See Biographical Slietch.

Capt. Thos. W. Dodge, Dr. W. E.
Schwind, C. P. Coleman, W. C. White,
James B. Bennyhoff. Chas. F. John-
son, D. S. Bnchanan, J. F. Blauken-
ship, E, B. Spnrgeon, F. M. Guinn,
Geo. A. Knrtz, Julius L. Schulle, Geo.
W. Walker, John W. Schenker, C, R.
Wills, A. S, McKellar, Rev. Mancil
Harris, Rev. .Montgomery May, John
Etcheson, John Walker, J. F. McEl-
haney, Charles E. White, John Kelly,
James Kelly, Dennis CuUity, Nicholas
P'itzgerald, Patrick Cleary, John Am-
sler, Andrew Schutz, Charles Hum-
peler, John Roth, John Mockler, John
L. Carroll, Samuel Austin, Byron
Augustine, Ira Lakin, Jesse Lakin,
Daniel M, Clark, Benjamiii Bibga-
man, James S. Evans, Martin F. Hous-
ton, George F. Houston, John Heibock,
Geo. C. Hausmaun, Chas. Hausinann,
Henry Brown, Benjamin Rexwmkle,
Julius Burtschi, Joseph Burtschi, Lon
S. Matherly, J. Will Ritter, Robert S,
Fram, D. C. Zimmermann, John Eshle-
man, W. O. Ireland, Max Hermanu, S.
M. Leever, Isaac N. Leever, Albert M.
Leever, H, C. Doyle and Henry Bing-
aman.

early Cransportattoti.

During the interval between 1S19
and 1855 the only means of tians-
portation in and out of Vandalia was
by the old wagon roads in wagons,
carriages, buggies and stages. Mails
were received and sent out east and
west by the Overland Stage Line, con-
sisting of old six-horse Concord
Coaches. Their advent was heralded
by the blowing of a horn on the out-
skirts of the town by the driver,
which was the signal for the male
population to assemble at the Post
Office and the stage stand. Nearly
every one would turn out upon the
arrival of the stage, wait for the mail
to be distributed and to gossip with
their neighbors ov ?r the latest news

from the East and West. Vandalia
was the diverging point from which
mails were sent out in nearly every
direction. Lines ran southeast to
Vincennes, Ind.; south to Salem and
Mt. Vernon; southwest to Carlyle;
northwest to Hillsboro, Taylorvilie,
Springfield, Jacksonville and Beards-
town; northeast to ShelbyviUe and
other points.

After the completion of the Illinois
Central Railroad, January 1, 1855, the
old Overland Stage Line was taken
off, and the east and west mails were
sent out, and received from the Norr'a
and South by rail.

Stage Lines from Vandalia to Ef-
fingham on the east, and to Green-
ville on the west, and to Hillsboro on
the northwest, were kept up until the
completion of new railroads ove. the
State relegated them to the past,
since which time mails are all re-
ceived bv rail.

Cb« poatmaatcra.

During the eighty-five year^ of its
existence Vandalia has 'lad twenty
Postmasters, viz:

John Warnock, appointed Dec. S,
182(1; James Black, appointed July 31,
1S27; William McConnell, appointed
April 24, 1832; Henry Smith, appoint-
ed May 9, 1835; Isaac L. Berry, ap-
pointed Feb. 1, 1838; .\ndro\v Bour-
land, appointed Feb, 27. 1S"9: N. M.
McCurdy, appointed Feb, 12, iS41;
David B. Hodge, appointed May 13.
1842; G. C. Wood, appointed Nov. 12,
1844; Matthew Thompson, appointed
June 14, 1845; J. W. Ross, appointed
March 27, 1849; H. G. Habich, ap-
pointed April 22, 1853; Louis M. Ha-
bich, appointed Dec. 16, 1860; John
N. McCord, appointed March 19, 1861;
H, C. Fallin, appointed July 26, 1866;
H. S. Humphrey, appointed April 6,
1869; S. B. Stout, appointed January

THE OLD STATE HOUSE
As it appeared before it was remodeled.

36

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

DR. A. L. T, WILLIAMS.
A Prominent Physician.

JAMES M. ALBERT.
Attorney-at-Law aad Ex-States At-
torney.

J. F. BLANKENSHIP.
Attorney-at-Law.

13, 18S6; Jolin F. Sayles. appointed
January 28, 189U; C. F. Easterday, ap-
pointed Felaruary 16, 1894; John A.
Bingham, appointed March 17, 1898.

Before the advent of railroads it
used to tal^e weeks to get a letter or
newspaper from the Atlantic Sea
Board. We now receive them in less
hours than days in that time, and we
can say "Old things have passed
away, and all things have become
new."

Tandalta's earl)? Crials.

Vandalia has had its trials, trou-
bles and tribulations like individuals.
The removal of the Capital to Spring-
field gave it a hard blow, and it was
many years before reaction set in.
The advent of the Illinois Central
Railroad gave it new life, and it again
commenced to improve rapidly, and
was the central point for trade for
many miles in every direction. This
continued until the Civil War, when
nearly all business was stagnated for

a time, but as time progressed, so
did the town and business. When
the Vandalia Railroad was built in
1867 it started up small trading towns,
on the east and west, which took con-
siderable trade away from it, but no'-
withstanding that, the town still kept
on growing and business increasing
until now Vandalia can boast of as
fine business houses and residencji
as most towns of its size in the State.

It has two trunk lines of Railroads
passing through, the Vandalia-Penn-
sylvania system and the Main Line of
the Illinois Central, giving it firs*"-
class railroad facilities. It has two
telegraph lines, Western Union and
Postal Telegraph Company; a Long
Distance Telephone Company; a Lo-
cal Telephone Company and the Kin-
loch Telephone Company.

Its Manufacturies. Machine and Re
pair Shops, consist of a Paper Mill
Foundry and Brick Making Machine
Shop, Butcher Block Manufactury
Stave and Heading Mill, Grist Mill
Wa,gon Manufactory and Seven Black
smith Shops, all doing a large and
prosperous business.

x^S^

iiiiiilliHiiiliimife^ir^

The Bench and Bar

Of Vandalia.

1821 to 1903

OLD CoVHKHI) likUXiE OVKK TflH KASK.\SKL-\ KIVBR
AT VANDALIA.

The first term of Ihe Circuit Court
was held at Vandalia July 5th, 1821.
The Hon. Joseph Phillips, Chief Jus-
tice of the Supreme Court, presided.

James Jones was Clerk and Joseph
Oliver was Sheriff.

The Hon. John Reynolds held the
July Term 1822.

The Hon. Thos. Reynolds, Judge
pro tem, held the December Term
1822.

The Hon. John Reynolds held the
June Term 1823.

The Hon. Samuel Mclloberts held
the April Term 1825.

The Hon. Theopilus W. Smith held
the April Term 1827.

The Hon. Sidney Breese held the
January Term 1835.

The Hon. Thomas Ford pro tem
held the May Term 1839.

The Hon. James Semple held the
March Term 1843.

The Hon. James Shield's held the
Au,gust Term 1843.

The Hon. Gustavus Koerner held
the August Term 1845.

The Hon. William H. Underwood
held the May Term 1849.

The Hon. Chas. Emerson held the
April Term 1853.

The Hon. Silas L. Bryan held the
May Term 1863.

The Hon. Arthur J. Gallagher held
the October Term 1867.

The Hon. Chas. Steele held the
March Term 1870.

Under the Constitution of 1870 the
following named persons were elected
or appointed as Juiges of the Circuit

S()U\'ENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

37

Court, in the District emlji'acing Van-
dalia in its confines, viz:

H. M. Vandever, W. R. Welch, Chas.
S. Zane, 1S73 to 1S79.

Chas. S. Zane, Wm, R. Welch, J. J.
Phillips, W. L. Gross (appointed to
succeed Zane, resigned September 1,
1884), 1879 to 1885.

J. J. Phillips, Wm. R. Welch, Jas A.
Creighton, Jacob Fouke, (to succeed
Welch, deceased November 6th, 18SS)
1885 to 1891.

J. J. Phillips, Jas. A. Creighton,
Jacob Fouke. Robert B. Shirley, (to
succeed Phillips, elected Supreme
Judge) 1891 to 1897.

Wm. M. Farmer, Truman E. Ames,
Samuel L. Dwight. 1897 to 1903.

Wm. M. Farmer, Truman E. Ames.
Samuel L. Dwight. 1903 re-elected.

Of the Judges who presided over
the Circuit Court held at Vandalia.
1821 to 1845, two were afterwards
elected Governor of the State, viz:
the Hon. John Reynolds, 1830; the
Hon. Thomas Ford, in 1842. Four

were elected to the United States
Senate, viz: the Hon. Samuel McRob-
erts, 1841 ; the Hon. Sidney Breese,
1843; the Hon. James Semple was ap-
pointed to succeed McRoberts, de-
ceased, in 1843; the Hon. James
Shields. 1849. Eight were at the
time of their holding court at Van-
alia Judges of the Supreme Court.
The dates here given are the dates
of their election or appointments as
such, viz:

The Hon. Joseph Phillips, October
9th, 1818; the Hon. John Reynolds
October 9th, 1818; the Hon. Theophi-
lus W. Smith, January 19th, 1825; the
Hon. Thomas Ford. February loth,
1841; the Hon. Sidney Breese, Febru-
ary 15th, 1841; the Hon. James Sem-
ple, January Ifith. 1843; the Hon. Jas.
Shields. August ItUh, 1S43; the Hon.
Gustavus Koerner. April 2nd. ISl.'i.

Only one Judge who has held Court
here since 1845 has ever reached the
Supreme Bench, viz: the Hon. Jesse
J. Phillips, who was elected to fill the

vacncy caused by the death of Hun.
.lohn Schofleld. June 13th, ISli:;.
Many of the Judges and Lawyers who
have presided over our courts and
practiced before it. have attained
prominence, both state and national.

The immortal Lincoln, President.
1861.

Edward Bates. United States Attor-
ney General, 1861.

Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary of
State. 1840, Supreme Judge. 1841. and
United States Senator in 1847. 1S53,
1859.

James Shields, Auditor 1841. Su-
preme Jud.ge 1843. United States Sen-
ator from four different States: Illi-
nois. 1849; Minnesota. Oregon and
Missouri; a Brigadier General in the
Mexican War and a Major General in
the Civil War.

John A. I^ogan. Member of Con-
gress. 1859 to 1863; Congressman at
large, 1869 to 1871; Brigadier General
in the Civil War and United States
Senator, elected 1871, 1879 and 1885.

\
G

THE PRESENT BRIDGE OVER THE KASKASKLV RIVER
SteamYacht of E. B. Spurgeon and Harry J. White Below.

38

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

A. H. DIECKMANN, Deceased.
Born May 10, 1820; Died April 13
1S87; Prominent Merchant.

PETER McDUFF.
A Former Resident of Vandalia. now
of Atchinson, Kansas, a prominent
Arhcitect and Builder.

ISAAC BARNETT, Deceased,
Was a Prominent Architect and Build-
er in His Time.

William Lee D. Ewing, of Vandalia,
was elected Lieutenant Governor in
1833 and was Governor seventeen
days, from November 17th, 1834, t.>
December 3d, 1834, to fill out the term
of Governor Reynolds, who had been
elected United States Senator. Was
elected to the United States Senate
in 1835 to succeed Elias Kent Kane,

deceased, and in 1842 wa? elected
State Auditor.

Alexander P. Field was Secretary
of the State from 1829 to 1840, re-
moved to Louisiana, where he was
afterwards elected Attorney General.

Col. Robert K. McLaughlin was
State Treasurer 1819.

Col. Ferris Forman was a State

MELVIN L. COOK.

Travels for Ilulmaii & Co., Terre Haute, Indiana.

A former resident of Vandalia and Pressman

in office of "Ajje of Steam and Fire.

Senator in 1844 and a Colonel in the
War with Mexico and the Civil War;
Secretary of State of California, and
Member of the Constitutional Conven-
tion of Illinois in 1870, to 'vhich he
was elected to fill vacancy, occasioned
by the resignation of Hon. B. W.
Henry.

James Semple was elected Attorney
General in 1833, Supreme Judge in
1843 and the same year appointed
United States Senator, vice Samuel
McRoberts deceased.

James T. B. Stapp was elected State
Auditor in 1831 and Levi Davis State
Auditor in 1835.

Usher F. Linder was elected At-
torney General in 1837.

Orlando B. Ficklin was elected to
Congress in 1843. 1845, 1847 and 1851;
a Member of the Constitutional Con-
vention of 1S70.

H. P. H. Bromwell was elected to
Congress in 1865 and 1867, and was
a member of the Constitutional Con-
vention of 1870.

Charles Emerson was elected mem-
ber of Constitutional Convention in
1870.

Philip B. Fouke was elected to Con-
gress in 1859 and 1861.

John R. Eden was elected to Con-
gress in 1863, 1873, 1875, 1877 and
again in 1885.

H. V. Vandeveer was a member of
the Constitutional Convention of
1862 before his election as Judge of
Circuit Court.

Anthony Thornton was elected a
member of Constitutional Convention
in 1847 and 1862 and Supreme Judge
in 1870.

Samuel W. Mo\ilton was elected
member of Congress for the State at
Large in 1869 and member of Con-
gress ISSl and 18831 j

SOUN'EXIR OF \AXDAL1A, 11,1.1 .\( )1S.

39

ZIBA S. SWAN. Ufceasfii.
Former Attorney-at-Law, Vandal ia.

DH. H. D. SMITH,
Prominent Physician and Oldest Prac-
ticioner in Vandalia.

COL. R. H. STURGES'S. Deceased.
Colonel 8th Ills. Infantry.

John M. Palmer was a Major Gen-
eral during the Civil War and was
elected member of Constitutional Con-
vention in 1847, and was elected Gov-
ernor of the State in 1869, and U. S.
Senator in 1891.

Jesse J, Phillips was a Brigadier
General in the Civil War, elected Cir-
cuit Judge in 1879, 1885 and 1891,
and Supreme Judge in 1893.

John Schofield was elected member
of Constitutional Convention of 1870
and Supreme Judge in 1873.

Lyman Trumbull was elected to
Congress in 185.5. resigned and elected
United States Senator in 1855, 1861
and 1867.

Gustavus Koerner was elected Lien-
tenant Governor In 1853.

James C. Robinson was elected to
Congress in 1859, 1861, 1863, 1871 and
1873.

Arthur J. Gallagher was elected
Circuit Judge in 1867.

John P. VanDorsten was elected
State Senator in 1868 and was ap-
pointed United States District Attor-
ney in 1874.

George W. Wall was a member of
the Constitutional Conventions of
1862 and 1870. and was elected Circuit
Judge in 1877, 1879, 1885 and 1891.

Michael G. Dale was a member of
the Constitutional Convention of 1847.

William M. Farmer, one of the pres-
ent Circuit Judges of this district,
was elected a member of the House
of Representatives of Illinois in- 1887
and to the Senate in 1889.

Quite a number of the gentlemen
mentioned above have served the
Commonwealth, as members of both
branches of the Legislature, in addi-
tion to the positions mentioned.
Among the later members of Bar of
Vandalia may be mentioned Tevis
Greathouse, Lyman G. Smith, A. C.

Reed, Henry C. Bradsby, R. C. Lewis.
E, M. Vance, B. W. Henry, Joshua W.
Ross. B. H. Chapman George B. Cha-
pin, W. M. Farmer. W. H.. Dawdy,
John P. Van Dorston, John Mcllwain,
Samuel Stevenson, L. C. Hawley, E.
M. Ashcraft, Fountain S. Crump,

JacJb' Fouke, Frank M. Cox, Ferris
Forman,' Ziba S. Swan, A. J. Gullick,
Asa P. West. A. B. McDonald, George
R. Fitch, Leonidas M. Smith, John
li, Webb, James M. Albert, Arthur
Roe.t-- John A. Bingham, Samuel A.
Prater, George F. Houston, Frederick

COL. JAMES W. BERRY, Dec'd.

Circuit Clerk of Fayette County for 30 Year.s— 1 H26 to 1856.
Adjutant General from 1835 to 1839.

40

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

.jy^^^,

EZRA JENKINS, Deceased.
A Prominent Educator, School Com-
missioner, 1856.

COL. ROBT. BLACKWELL,
Territorial Auditor and Member of
Legislature; Editor of First Paper
Published in Vandalia.

RICHARD C. LEWIS, Deceased,
Attorney-at-Law.

Remann. Robert A. Campbell. F. M
Guinn, J. G. Wills, E. B. Spurgeon,
H. P. H. Bromwell, W. M. Fogler
Hugh Carroll.

The following named gentlemen at
tended Court at Vandalia from 1821
either as Attorney General, up to
1840, when the office of States Attt»r-
ney was created, or as States Alter
ney:

Attorney Generals.

Hon. David J. Baker, pro tem, 1821;
Sindey Breese, 1821 to 1824; James
Turney, 1824 to 1825; Alfred Cowles,
1825 to 1830; James Semple, 1830 lo
1838; Josiah Fisk, 1838 to 1840.

States Attorneys.

Wm. H. Underwood. 1840 to 1844;
Wm. H. Bissell, 1844 to 1846; Harvey
Lee, pro tem. 1846 to 1847; Philip B.
Fouke, 1847 to 1851: Elam Rust, 1851
to 1856; John R. Eden, 1856 to 1860,

James R. Boyd, 1860 to 1862; B. W.
Henry, pro tem, 1862; Amos Watt5,
1862 to 1S64; D. L. Bunn, 1864 to 1S6S,
M. B. Thompson, 1868 to 1872; John
F. Douglas, 1872 to 1873; E. M. Ash-
craft, 1873 to 1876; Col. Ferris For-
man, 1876 to 1880; Wm. M. Farmer.
1880 to 1884; James M. Albert, 1884
to 1896; E. B. Spurgeon, present in-
cumbent, 1896.

The following named gentlemen
were Clerks of the Circuit Court from
1821 to 1901:

James Jones. 1821 to 1826, 5 years;
Jas. W. Berry. 1826 to 1856. 30 years;
Wm. Hankins, 1856 to 1872, 16 years;
Jas. F. James, 1872 to 1876, 4 years;
Robt. W. Ross. 1876 to 1884, 8 years;
Wim. G. Thompson, 1884 to 1888, 4
years; Benj. P. Williams, 1888 to 1895,
7 years; Carl Dieckman, 1895 to 1896,
appointed by Court, vice Williams re-
signed, 1 year; Lewis Mitchell, 1896

to 1901, 4 1-2 years; J. G. Burnside,
to December, 1901. appointed by
Court pro tem vice Mitchell, de-
ceased ; John W. Schenker, 1901,
elected to till vacancy vice Mitchell,
deceased.

The following named gentlemen
were Sheriffs of the County from 1821
to present time, viz:

Joseph Oliver, 1821; John Enochs,
1823; Joseph Oliver, 1826; James Gal-
loway, 1827: John Enochs, 1828; Clay-
bourn B. Berry, 1832; Aiken Evans,
1838; James Hankins, 1840; Aiken
Evans, 1845; Alex. P. H. Doyle, 1849;
Aiken Evans, 1852; Alex. P. H. Doyle,
1854; Aiken Evans, 1856; John T.
Donaldson, 1858; John Shirley, 1860;
James H. Fulton, 1862; John T. Don-
aldson, 1864; Samuel E. Bailey. 1866;
Andrew Heiz, 1868: James H. Fulton.
1870; Henry Sefton, 1872; Jesse D.
Jennings, 1874: Benjamin F. Walker,

J. T. B. STRAPP.

AIKEN EVANS, Deceased,
Sheriff, State Senator and Registrar
of Land Office.

GEORGE MEEK. Deceased,
Stock Dealer.

SOUVEXIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

41

>

Srfl^^Sr

- M

--- ., «*- ■:'-■. ..' '

CRACKER JACK CLUB.

Joe Reed. Alvi.n Hudso.x.
Herm.^n Springer. Rov H.wks.
Joe E.\sterday. Herbert Morey.

H.\ROLD ZiM.MKIOI.VN. CllAISE DeABI.ER.

Ben Perkins. Howard Davis.

Harry Leever. Walter Prater.

The Cracker Jack is purely a social org;anization, composed of twelve of Vandalia's larightest youiii; nun, their
ages ranging from 16 to 18 years. The club was organized in 1901 with the view of bettering their own social
condition as well as that of other young men. They have a nice lodge room and meet bi-weekly. The present offi-
cers are: Roy Hayes, President; Joe Easterday, Secretary; Walter Prater, Treasurer. The Cracker Jack Foot
Ball Team has manv scores to their credit, they being winners last season i:i many hard fought contests.

1876, died a few days after being
sworn into office: Andrew J. Taylor,
1877; elected to fill vacancy occa-
sioned by death of Walker; John P.
Pealer, 1878; Jesse Mays. 1880; John
Cox, 1882; beroy Washburn. 1886;
George D. Steinliavier, 1890; H. L.
Hunt, 1894; Cbas. H. McDonald. 1S9S:
David M. Whitten, 1902.

Judges of Tandalia Courts.

HON. ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER.

It was my good fortune to be inti-
mately acquainted with Judge Galla-
gher, one of the Judges that presided
over the circuit court of this county.
My acquaintance with him began
when I was a small boy. and contin-

ued through boyhood, youth and man-
hood, until his death. He was my
friend always. He was a man of sim-
plicty of character, nobilty of soul and
a legal intellect profound. He was
considered one of the best lawyers
that ever practiced at this bar. It is
claimed by many of his friends of the
legal fraternity that he was one of
the most profound Judges that ever
sat on the bench in this state; that
fewer of his decisions were reversed
by the Supreme Court than any of
the other Judges. He moved from
Vandalia to Decatur in 1856, where
he continued to live until the time of
his death.

HON. SILAS L. BRYAN.

Judge Bi-yan was one of the old

call a Iirilliant lawyer, but he was
strictly honest, upright and a chris-
tian gentleman, ever ready to lend a
helping hand to the worthy and needy.
He made a very able and efficient
Judge. He was the father of the dem-
ocratic candidate for President, the
Hon. Wm. Jennin.gs Bryan, the silver
champion. Judge Bryan lived and
died at Salem.

stock

He was not what you might

HON. CHARLES EMERSON AND
CHARLES CONSTABLE.

My recollection of Jud.ges Emerson
and Constable are meager. I. per-
haps, knew Judge Constable better
than I did Judge Emerson. I know
of Judge Emerson more by what I
have heard of him than by actual ob-
servation. I am informed that he
was a most eminent and upright

42

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

BENJAMIN REXWINKLE,

A Hustling Traveling Salesman for

Hulman & Co., Terre Haute.

MAX HERMANN,

Leading Cigar and Tobacconist ot

Vandalia.

EZEKIEL ROB.

Prominent Citizen and Real Estate

Owner.

Judge; was considered a fine lawyer-
and a most estimable man. He lived
and died in Decatur.

Judge Constable was one of those
bright, dazzling and intellectual men,
with those generous qualities of heart
which endeared him to the people.
He was a fine lawyer, and a gentleman
in every sense of the word. I think
he lived and died at Palestine, Illinois.

HON. WILLIAM R. WELCH.

Judge Welch was one of the best
judges at our courts, a lawyer of ex-
ceedingly fine ability, quick in his de-
cisons and a just and upright man
and christian gentleman. He was
as well liked by the members of the
bar as any judge we ever had. always
kind and indulgent, and especially to
young practitoners, to whom he was
always ready and willin,g to render
any assistance in his power to grant.
Judge Welch lived and died at Car-
linville.

HON. H. M. VANDEVER.

Judge Vandever was a man that
did not seem to like the positon of
judge; his mind was more inclined to
business pursuits than law; still he
was a good judge, and was highly es-
teemed by the bar throu.ghout the cir-
cuit. He lived and died at Taylor-
ville.

HON. W. L. GROSS.

Judge Gross is a man of fine legal
ability, a logical thinker and an ele-
gant gentleman. He was a fine judge
and was well liked by the fraternity.
He resides at Springfield.

HON. JESSE J. PHILLIPS.

Judge Pliillips is so well known
throughout the State that little is
necessary to say about him. First,
the citizen, then the soldier, tlien the

lawyer and circuit judge, and lastly
Supreme Judge. He is the only cir-
oiit judge that ever presided over our
court in my recollection that ever
reached the Supreme bench. He was
endowed by nature with a sound judg-
ment, a profound legal intellect and
an eloquence that was Ciceronian.
When on the circuit bench he was al-
ways ready with his decisions on
points of law, and was seldom in er-
ror. His residence was at Hillsboro.
Illinois.

HON. JACOB FOUKE.

Judge Fouke, another of our judges,
was a resident of Vandalia. He ca.me
to Vandalia in 1S53. and drove a team
on the construction of the I. C. R. R.
He afterwards entered the law office
of Tevis Greathouse, studied law and

was elected justice of the peace, and
afterwards county judge. He was in
partnership with Hon. B. W. Henry
for many years, and in 18S6 was elect-
ed to the office of Circuit Judge,
which position he filled until his
death. Judge Fouke was a man who
was strictly honest, a staunch friend,
and a bitter enemy, and when he was
an enemy, he either had a good rea-
son for it, or at least he honestly
thought he did. He would not stoop
to a dishonorable act. and was ever
ready to help the poor and friendless
to the extent of his abilty. His death
was deplored by his many friends.

HON. CHARLES S. ZANE.

Judge Zane is one of those quiet,
undemonstrative men, simplicity of
character, a logical thinker and a tine

RESIDENCE OF CHARLES G. SONNEMANN.

Nortli 5th Street.

Sor\l-:.\IR Ol- \ AXDALIA. II,1,IX( )I.S.

43

J. G. Bl'KNSlDE.
Lawyer.

J. WILL lilTTEU,
Architect and Bulkier.

W. E. SCHWIND.
Dentist.

intellect. He made a first-class judse.
and was exceedingly well liUed by the
members of the bar. After he re-
tired as Circuit Judge, he was ap-
pointed U. S. District Judge of Utah,
where he now resides at Salt Lake
City.

HON. JAMES R. CREIGHTON.

Judge Crei.ghton is considered one
of the ablest and soundest lawyers
that has occupied the bench for many
years. His decisions were clear, lu-
cid and practicable, and generally
gave satisfaction. He is a courteous
and affable gentleman, and is held in
high esteem by all who are fortunate
enough to form his acquaintance. He
is now on the appellate liench. He
resides at Springfield.

HON. ROBERT B. SHIRLEY.

Judge Shirley is still on the bench,
but in another circuit. The Judge is
a fine lawyer, a sound judge and a
most affable and genial gentleman,
kind and courteous to all. His many
friends have regretted thRt he was
legislated out of our district; had he
remained in. his nomination and elec-
tion were assured. He resides at
Carlinville.

Lavpycra of Tandalta Bar.

Of the lawyers who practiceil at
the Vandalia Bar since my recollec-
tion. Hon. Daniel Gregory. Arthur J
Gallagher and Hon. H. P. H. Bromwell
were the earliest. Hon. Daniel G''eg-
ory had but little taste for the pur-
suits of law, and for many years be-
fore his death had retired from active
practice. He was a man of sterling
qualities, .arood .iudgment and ra''e
ability. Died in 1870.

Judge Gallagher I have already
mentioned.

H(ui. H. P. IL Hrouiwell. (lie Sliakc-
speriau lawyer, was one of those
scholarly gentlemen of tine address
and manners. He lived here only a
few years, but during that time he
was elected county judge of this
county. He also edited a newspaper,
called first by the name of the Fay-
ette Yeoman, afterwards the Age of
Steam and Fire. It was my fortune
to assist Judge Rromwcll in the ar-
duous duties of running the aforesaid
A.ge of Steam and Fire. The Judge
edited the paper, and I took charge
of the circulation department, i. e..
! carried the papers around town to
the immense list of suscribers, and I
think it was about twenty. I also
assisted in getting the paper out, act-
ing as devil and doing the rolling for
the pressman. Jud.ge Bromwell, after
leaving Vandalia, went to Charleston
111., and was elected to Congress for

several terms; after n 'tiring trcjm
Congress he moved to Denver, Colo-
rado, where he died a slmrt tinu- a.go.

AUGUSTUS C. REED.

Was another of those lirigbl men
who flash up. burn brightly, and go
out like a meteor. He was a man of
fine education and legal ability. He
removed from Vandalia to Blooming-
ton and enga,ged in the practice at
that place, where he was rapidly forg
ing to the front as a lawyer of i)ronii-
nence. when death called him away
at an early age.

TEVIS GREATHOUSE.

Te'"is Greathouse was om- of thos"
demonstrative men, with a nobility of
sold, and generous ciialities of heart,
which endeared him to all his friends.
He was a man of fine education, a

RESIDEX'CE OF J. M. ALBEKT, on I-irst St.

44

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS,

ORVILLE BARKLEY.
A Prosperous Young Furniture Deal-
er and Undertaker.

THEODORE BURTSCHI,
Proprietor of the Silver Valley Vege-
table Gardens.

JOHN A. MATHENY,

One of Vandalia's Most Promising

Young Attorneys.

logical thinker and a profound legal
intellect. He was ever ready to ex-
tend the helping hand to the poor and
unfortunate. His house was always
open to his friends, and it was his
greatest pleasure to have them
around him. He died in the prime of
life, just at a time, had he lived, ho
could have made himself a very u=e-
fil man to the country.

FOUNTAIN S. CRUMP.

Fountain S. Crump was a young
man of rare ability, and was a bright
nnd shining light among the legal fra-
ternity. He lived only a few years
after locating in Vandalia. but during
that time he endeared himself in the
hearts of all whose good fortune it
was to form his acquaintance. His
death was a sad one. no loved rela-
tives ''round his bedside: but two of
his best male friends stood beside
iiim. It is said of him when informed
he had to die, that he remarked,
"Thank God T am philosopher enou.gh
to die, but I hate to leave so good a
set of fellows."

HON. JOHN P. VAN DORSTON.

.John P. Van Dorston was a man of
fine legal ability and a sound lawyer.
He was not endowed with a rare gift
of oratory or eloquence, but was a
logical thinker. His ability was
reco.gnized by his appointment to the
oflice of U. S. District Attorney for
the Southern District of Illinois, and
his election to the State Senate. He
died young. Had he lived be would
have undo'ibtedly been honored n".gh
er.

HON. PAMUEL STEVENSON.

.ludgc Samuel Stevenson was a man
highly honored by all who knew him.
He came to Vandalia from Greenville.
Illinois, where he had lived and prac-
ticed law for some years. He was a

Kentuckian by birth, and had all the
qualities which the name winild im-
ply, a gentleman, a scholar, a good
lawyer, and endowed with a sound
Judgment and a generous heart, which
made him a man endeared of by the
people. He was elected jud.ge of the
County Court of this county, which
office he held at the time of his death.
He died in Vandalia of heart disease
in 1871.

COL. JAMES M. DAVIS.

"Long Jim." as he was familiarly
called, on account of his great height,
being a man considerably over six
feet tall, was undoubtedly one of the
finest lawyers, and unquestionably
the best, that practiced here in his
time. He was a man of very com-
manding presence with a rare gift of
oratory, bland, plausable and silver-
tongued, and when it was known that
"Long Jim" was to argue a case be-

fore the court or jury, the old court
house would be filled to overflowing.
He moved from here to Hillsboro,
Illinois, where he continued to prac-
tice until his death.

COL. JAMES W. BERRY.

While Col. Berry was never a prac-
ticing lawyer, it is well that in con-
sideration of his long connection
with the courts, that mention should
be made of him. He was one of the
most affable gentlemen, kind and ex-
tremely courteous in his manners,
that it has ever been my good fortune
to meet. Combined in him was the
artist, actor and btisiness man. As
an artist he excelled, as evidenced
by the two portraits of Washin.gton
and Lafayette in the capitol building
at Springfield. Col. Berry, under an
act of the Illinois State legislature,
was delegated to go to Washington
City and copy the portraits of Wash-

KliSlDENCE OF JOHN J. SCHNEIDER.

SOUVEX'IR Ol" N'AXDALIA, ILLINOIS.

45

•/ '

•■

— ■ •»• ^

■- .-v. .-'^

i/

-/

4^

A

#

■ :^ "^

/

f

S V

Q

*

jlI

V-^^^^^By^

1

•

■ '«'

te 1

r

itf^

9i ^^^

r

1 • .

■ W

- ?

f"

jK^- »r^

^ j

fIbM

rj

l/f^ ■•

1

^

ft

•

ii ""^j

^

'W .

■«t •

• ^

^

mm ' Pi

.9^

^^1

o V

■ %

wSi

iJ

Pi^

B'
/^^

i

1/

i

■•

f

F

» V

V . W^N

Wt"..

^^^..^'fOW i

r'

' ^^

- ^my

SMW-l

F

lia

1

Kfl^ ^

i!^

BP^ J^^^u

H^W^^Ji"

A

IliKl

1!

Sh'^:'^' f^, .

1

^ ° Hi '

wif

%

■Ljr«$v

y^

m^ ■■,Kr

Tj

^^.-^-

#

1

^^

r^i!^ fl

1

fH

■ ^

'j

-ati'

C^HR^

^ /I

i

5 — ^

INCOMING AND OUTGOING BOARD OF ALDERMEN AND OTHER CITY OFFICIALS, 1903-04..

CORBIN SCHNEIRER,

Aid. 1st Ward.

Chief of Police.

WM. H.\MMONn

Aid. 3d Ward.

READING FKO.M LEFT TO RIGHT, Tl)I' KOW:
lOHN M.\MME.\, SR. C K. H-\S?LFK, GEORGE SCHMIIIT, AUGUST HUMPEI.EK

City Treasurer. Aid. 2d Ward. Aid. 1st Ward.

SECOND row:

R. W. HlCKM.iN, J W. SGHENKER. FR Ell R em.ann, R. V. Chadwick
City Clerk. Mayor. CityAtt'y

FIRST row:

M.^x Hermann, Geo. B. Cai'PS

I. R. .MvERs, Louis Volberg,
Ex"-Ald. 2d Ward. Ex-Ald 1st Ward

Ex-Ald. :-!d Ward.

Aid. 2d Ward.

Ex-Ald. 2d Ward.

1). P. Clayton,
Aid. :;d Ward.

ington and LaFayette by Stuart. So
well did he pei'form his tasl\ that,
when he had completed his work the
old door keeper of the house of repre-
sentatives, who had charge of the
original pictures, when called in by
Col. Berry to replace the originals in
their frames, looked first at the four
pictures and then at the Colonel and
said. "Col. Berry, if you will oblige
me by telling me which are the origi-
nals. I will at once frame and hang
them." The compliment was always
n "o'lrce of great pride to the Colonel,
".-"fl today if anyone can tell the dif-
ference, he must be an artist of the
finest attainment to do so. Col.
Berry was loved by all who knew
him. He was ever kind and .gener-
ous, a man of most remarkable mem-

ory, and was well acquainted with
all of the first settlers of the State.
His home from early boyhood to his
death was at Vandalia, although the
last few years of his life he lived
with his sister, Mrs. Harrison, at De-
catur. 111. He died in 1876, and is
buried in the old cemetery in Van-
dalia.

COL. FERRIS FORMAN.

The accomplished scholar, polished
.gentleman and grand old soldier,
came to Vandalia in the early .lO's.
fresh from Union College, N. Y.. and
entered into practice with Levi Davis,
who resided, after removing from
Vandalia until his death, in Alton. At
the breaking out of the Mexican War

he raised a Company and started for
Mexico. At Alton he was elected
Colonel of the 3rd Illinois Infantry,
and served through the Mexican War,
returning to Vandalia about the time
of the gold fever in California. He
concluded to emigrate to the new El-
dorado, and in 1S49 set out for Cali-
fornia. He remained in California
until 1S06. During his residence

there he was elected secretary of
state and was postmaster at Sacre-
mento under President Buchanan
He returned to Vandalia. where he
continued to reside and practice his
profession until December, ISSfl.
when he returned to California on a
visit to his son and daughter, who re-
sided in that state, and they would
not give their consent to his return

46

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

WM. G. THOMPSON. Deceased.
Ex-Clerk of the Circuit Court.

.JA.MES 1. STIi.l>.MAX. Dt-ceased.
Former County Jud,§e.

NOAH EMERICK,
Elected County Clerk in 1902.

to old Vandalia. which he clair:ied ^s
his home. At the lime of his deaui.
which occurred at Stockton, C'l..
February 11, lyn], he was ii:? years of
age. and was the only liviits Colonel
of the Mexican War.

HON. ZIBA S. SWAN,

Ziba S. Swan was another of those
demonstrative persons who was en-
dowed with a nobility of soul, a rare
gift of oratory, and those generous
qualities of heart, which made for
him many friends. Capt. Swan wa';
engaged in the practice of law *ith
Judge John P. Van Dors ton for sev-
eral years before he removel !rom
here to Champai.gn. where !;e resided
but a short time until death called

him away. His death was tnily la-
mented by his many friends ';ei(.' aUil
throughout the state, where he was
widely known.

Mcllwain was killed during the war
or died afterwards from the effects
of the wounds received.

MAJOR JOHN MclLWAIN.

John Mcllwain came to Vandalia
from Connersville, Indiana, and en-
tered into the practice here a short
time before the war broke out. When
the war broke out he raised a com-
pany and went to the front, where he
soon rose to the rank of Major, and
had not death interposed, would have
imdoubtedly rose higher. Major Mc-
llwain was an intelligent gentleman,
a good lawyer, and was rising in his
profession when he quit the practice
for war. I do not recollect whether

GEORGE B. CHAPIN.

George B. Chapin was a man of a
most lovable character, well educated
lioth in the sciences and the law.
courteous, amiable and kind. He
soon won for himself a kind spot in
the hearts of all who knew him. His
career was of short dtiration, being
taken by death while in his earliest
manhood. No young attorney had a
brighter outlook than Geo. B. Chapin.
He died in Vandalia. after a brief ill-
ness, loved and respected by his
manv friends.

ARTHUR B. Mcdonald.

Mr. McDonald entered into the
practice of the law too late in life
to enable him to reach a very exalted
position therein. He was a kind and
thoughtful man. assiduous in his du-
ties to his client, and would not stoop
to do a mean act to gain a point. He
practiced only a couple of years unlil
his death.

LYMAN G. SMITH.

Lyman G. Smith was a man of most
pronounced views, and fine scholar-
ly attainments, and a good lawyer.
He was associated with Tevis Great -
house in the practice, and the firm
was one of the most widely known
law firms in southern Illinois. He
lived only a few years after locaiing
iu Vandalia. His death was regretted
liy his manv friends.

SCENH AT CorkT IIOLSH Snr.^KE.
Old Settlers I);iv, .\uji. s, liXiO. Loaned by Mrs. Dicckman.

LEONIDAS MORSE SMITH.

I recollect I.eoniilas M. Smilli only
as lieing a man of affable manners,
kind and courteous to all with whom
be came in contact. He did not su •-

S()r\'l".XIR ol' WWDALIA, II.I.IXOIS.

KEV. MAXCIL A. HARRIS,

Ex-Member of Legislature and a

Prominent Baptist Minister.

JOHN 11. Rl.NGK. IX'Cca.scd.

A i)rominent German Citizen and

Grand Army Man.

ANDREW HEIZ.

E\-&heriff and well known German

Citizen.

vive long after locating in Vandalia,
and as to his qualifications as an at-
torney. 1 am not advised.

OTHER LAWYERS.

Of the other lawyers who iiracticed
and still practice at the Vandalia l-.ar.
I will simply mention them, as the
public knows as much, if -lOt more,
about them than I do.

H. C. Bradsby. now of Effingham, is
posisbly the oldest in point of prac-
tice who was one of the member;- of
this bar; Hon. B. W. Henry, siill in
active practice, and present County
Jnd.ge; E. M. Ashcraft, now of Chi-
cago, who has forged his way to the
front, is now one of the prominent
lawyers of that city; Frank Cox, now
of Chicago, is another of the ener-
getic young lawyers who are forgin.5
their way to front ranks; B. TL Chap-
man, a former partner of B. W.
Henry, is in South America; W. H.
Dawdy, of Greenville, 111., a pupil nf
Mr. Henry's; L. C. Hawley, of Vi-
salia, Cal., a former partner of Hon.
Samuel Stevenson, and also a son in-
law of same; A. P. West, of Geneva,
Kane Co.; Elijah M. Vance, of St.
Louis, Mo.; Robert A. Campbell, of
Hutchinson. Kansas, and John J.
Brown, John, H. Webb. James M. Al-
bert, J. G. Wills, John A. Bingham.
Francis M. Guinn. E. B. Spurgeon, W.
M. Fogler, Hugh Carroll, J. F. Blank-
enship, Geo. F. Houston, Arthur Roe.
Josiah Burlington and J. G. Burnside
comprise about all the resident law-
yers that have practiced ai this bar
during my recollection.

There have been many non-resi-
dent attorneys who have appeared
before our court from time to time
during my recollection. The mo.st
noted were: Hons. Orlando B. Ficklin
and Usher F. Linder, of Charleston;

.lolm Scholfield. of Marshall; John R,
Kden, of Sullivan; Anthony Thornton
and Samuel W. Moulton, of Shelby-
ville; John M. Palmer, of Springfield;
\Vm. W. O'Brien, of Chicago; Levi
Davis, of Alton; Michael G. Dale, of
Edwardsville; Geo. W. Wall, of Du-
Quoin; Gustavus Koener and CLas.
W. Thomas, of Belleville. Nobie
Romans, all of them, and giants in
their profession, and all widely
known, not only in Illinois, but
throughout the Union, for their vast
legal ability.

This article ought not to close with-
out mentioning some of the officers of
the court.

The office of Sheriff was filled liy
Aiken Evans, A. P. H. Doyle. John T.
Donaldson, Andrew Heinz, Andrew
J, Taylor, Henry Sefton, John Cox,
of Pope township; George Steinhauer.
Jesse D. Jennin.gs. Lee Washburn.
James H. Fulton. H. L. Hunt. Chas.

r

, v.««r».«BSL _

1; f f

McDonald and D. M. Whitten. the
present incumlient.

Up to and including the year 1SS4
Fayette County had but five ciicr.ii
Clerks, viz: James Jones, 1,S21 to
lS2(i; Col. James W. Berry, up to
185(1 ; William Hankins trom 1S.5G to
1S72: Joseph F. James, from 1872 to
lS7t;; Roliert W. Ross from 1876 to
LSSf. a period of sixty-four years. Col.
Berry having served thirty years of
that time. Since 1884 Fayette Coun-
ty has had six clerks, four being elect-
ed and two appointed to fill out an
unexpired term, viz: William G,
Thompson. 1884 to 1888; Benjamin F
Williams. 1888 to 1895; Carl Dieck
man. 1895 to 1896; L. E. Mitchell
1896. died in 1901, and J. G. Burnside
appointed pro tem. when he was sue
ceeded Iiy J. W. Schenker. Out of
the nine clerks, James Jonos Col.
Berry and Messrs. Hankins. Thomp-
son. Williams and M!iche)l are dead.

COUNTY HOUSE ERECTEIi IN isU-t.

48

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

j-'^pJS 1%^ \

i«^

HON. DANIEL DREGORY, Deceased.
Ex-Receiver of Land Office. Member
of the Legislature and County Judge.

WILLIAM BEER,
Author of the "Fall of Babylon the
Great," "The Mother of Harlots,"
and "Abominations of the Earth."

EMANUEL IRELAND,

First County Treasurer and Seventh

Mayor of the City of Vandalia.

THE, PRESS

OF VANDALIA.

THE VANDALIA INTELLIGENCER.

The fii'st newspaper established
and published in Vandalia was the
V'andalia Intelligencer, which was
established by Governor Coles and
Daniel P. Cook, who were opposed to
calling a convention to form a con-
stitution for the State.

This paper was placed under the
editorial management of David Black-
well, who was then Secretary of
State. The real issue in this memor-
able canvass was the introduction of
slavery into the new state. The Anti-

Convention party made a vigorous
and bold canvass, and were triumph-
ant by a small majority, thus estab-
lishing forever that the stain of hu-
man slavery should not blacken the
pages of the history of the State of
Illinois.

THE ILLINOIS INTELLIGENCER.

This Journal succeeded the "Van-
dalia Intelligencer," and was, in fact,
the same paper with the exception of
the change in the name as above
noted. The editorial and publishing
management passed into the control
of Col. Robert Blackwell and William
Berry. This journal was recognized
as one of the leading Whig papers
of the State. Col. Blackwell was
Puldic Printer for the State at the

W"f K

KEvSlDliNCH oi- .MK. 1-. C. ECKARD.
Nortli Sixth Street.

same time. This journal was a fear-
less and bold champion of Whig prin-
ciples, and in the old files of the
same are found some very able edi-
torials expounding the doctrines of
the Whig party.

ILLINOIS ADVOCATE AND STATE
REGISTER.

This was the title of a democratic
paper established in Vandalia in 1830.
and edited by John York Sawyer. It
was a very popular journal, a faithful
reflector of the current news, and
among its editorials are many that
exhibit cultivation and sound discre-
tion on the part of the editor.

In about two years after the found-
ing of the paper. Mr. Sawyer was
made Public Printer for the State,
which position he held until Ms
death in 1836. Upon his death Seth
T. Sawyer, then a resident of Alton,
was ajipointed by Governor Duncan
Public Printer, for the benefit of the
widow of John York Sawyer. The
remains of John York Sawyer lie
buried in the old cemetery at Van-
dalia.

OTATE REGISTER AND VANDALIA
REPUBLICAN.

This paper was established in 183()
by William Walters, and during its
existence was the acknowledged or-
gan of the Democratic Party in the
State. Zadock Casey and John Rey-
nolds were representatives in Con-
gress from this State at that time,
and formed the aciuaintance of Mr.
Walters, who was at Ihat time a fore-
man in the office of the National In-
lelligencer at Washington, and they,
\vi(h Col. John Dement, who was
State Treasurer, induced Walters to
come to Illinois and establish a demo-
cratic journal at the Capital. Upon
the death of Mr. Sawyer, editor and
publisher of the Illinois Advocate i.,nd

SOl'\l-:XIR UF \"AXDALIA, ILLINOIS.

i9

.lOSIAH BULl.IXGTON.

i^awyer. Firm of Brown, Bullinsloii

and Buruside.

OR. C. A. HIGINBOTOM.
Prominent Pliysician.

ARTHUR ROE.

I>a\vyi'r and Nominee for Slates At-
torney.

State Register, his paper was bought
by Mr. Walters, and both papers were
merged into the Illinois State Regis-
ter and People's Advocate. Mr. Wal-
ters was elected Public Printer dur-
ing the session of the General As-
sembly, 1S36-7. The Register and
People's Advocate was continued in
Vandalia until the removal of the seat
of government, when Mr. Walters re-
moved the office from Vandalia to
Springfield, and resumed the publi-
cation of the "Register" there, the
first issue being on August lilth, 1839.
Mr. Walters was a self-educated
man of decided natural talent, great
force of character, plucky, and of
sound personal integrity. During his
editorial career, he exerted a power-
ful influence in the councils of his
party (Democratic.) Mr. Walters
died on the 29th day of July. 1846, at
St. Louis, Mo., while on his way lo
the Mexican War, as a member <jf
Col. Baker's regiment.

THE VANDALIA WHIG.

This paper was estalilished by S.
C. Sherman, editor and puldisher, in
1839, and, as its name indicates, was
decidedly Whig in politics. It was in
reality a reproduction of the Illinois
Intelligencer, and was afterwards
called the Vandalia Whig and Illinois
Intelligencer. William Hodge suc-
ceeded Mr. Sherman to the editorial
management of the Whig. Under
his supervision the paper continued
to prosper for a number of years.
Mr. Hodge was the opposing candi-
date to Mr. Walters in the memor-
able contest for the position of Pub-
lic Printer in the 1836-7 session of
the Legislature.

editor and proprietor. Mr. Kennaday.
after a short time, relinquished the
mana.gement of "The Free Press,"
but in about two years thereafter re-
sumed its publication, after which it
enjoyed a season of prosperity. This
paper throughout its existence was
an uncompromising advocate of the
doctrines of the Whig party. It was
an earnest, ardent and zealous ad-
mirer of the great commoner of Ken-
tucky. Henry Clay.

As an example of the veneration of
the Free Press for him, the following
extracts from the issue of .luly Sth,
1843, will show:

"We fly our flag for "Harry of I he
West, and should ilr. Clay l)e the
Whig nominee, our patrons may con-
sider it 'nailed to the mast.' Our
watchword is, and we hope shall be
to the end of the campaign — 'Harry,
the Hope and the Pride of the West." '

THE WESTERN SOUVENIR.

This was a lilerary nionlhly, pub-
lished for a short lime in the years
1839 and 4ii, liy .Judge James Hall.
It consisted of a collection of origi-
nal tales and poetry, written princi-
pally by Judge Hall. Its editorials
and puldications were of a character
that evinced a vt'ry lii,gh order of
talent, and genuine meril as a scholar
on I he iiart of the writer.

The people of this western country
at that early day were not prepared
to appreciate a journal of this kind,
consequently the enterprise was not
successful, and Judge Hall relin-
quished the publication, and removed
to Cincinnati, Ohio.

THE OLIVE LEAF.

This was a weekly religious jour-
nal, an advocate of the doctrines of

VANDALIA FREE PRESS.

This journalWas established in the
year 1839 by James Kennaday. its

T. X. LAKIX c^ SONS.
Publishers of the Vamlalia Union.

50

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

HENRY BROWN,
Supervisor of Vamlalia Township aaa
Proprietor of Vamlalia Saw Millie.

P. C ECKARD.

Capitalist and Director of Ihe Lirst

National Bank.

EUGENE STAPP.

W. M. Temperance Lodge, No. If;
F. and A. M.

the Baptist church, and was pub-
lished (luring the years 1843-4-5. by
Messrs. Kellum and Lathrop. Be-
sides its church department, it had
a secular department in which the
leading topics of the day were freely
and candidly discussed.

ILLINOIS SENTINEL.

This paper was established in the
year of 1844, by John McDonald, its
editor and publisher. It was a
strictly democratic paper and was
ably, and creditably edited by Mr.
McDonald, who was considered one
of the ablest editors in the state.
He continued its publication to 1846,
but failing to secure the patronage
of the public necessary to Its support,
he discontinued its publication and
he removed to Peoria, 111., where he
afterwards published a paper for
some years.

THE FAYETTE YEOMAN.

This paper was established in 1S5U
by James Kennaday, who formerly
published the "Vandalia Free Press."
It was like its predecessor. Whig in
politics. At this time the tortunes
of the Whig party were on the de-
cline and the paper did not meet with
much success. Mr. Kennaday con-
tinued its publication until his death
when the paper passed into the hands
of Henry P. H. Bromwell, who
changed its name to "The Age of
Steam and Fire," Mr Bromwell pub-
lished it as a neutral paper in poli-
tics. It was ably edited, and its edi-
torials were extensively copied by the
leading journals of the state; and it
was everywhere recognized as the
true exponent of that spirit of ]ini-
gress that its name indicated. Judge
Bromwell continued to publish it un-
til 1855, when he sold out and re-
moved to Charleston, 111.

THE FAYETTE OBSERVER.

This paper was the same as the
"Age of Steam and Fire", Mr. Tevis
Greathouse having bought out Mr.
Bromwell, its editor, upon his remov-
al from Vandalia.

Mr. Greathouse changed the name
to the "Payette Observer" and its
politics to democratic. The paper
was conducted by him in a very cred-
itable manner. He was a man of
marked ability, well informed in i.l-
erature and politics, and was an emi-
nent jurist. The editorials of the
"Observer" attracted the attention of
the leading men of the state.

After publishing the "Observer"
for a few years. Mr. Greathouse sold
the paper to Parker, and Davis, who
published it a short time, but failed

to pay for same and Mr. Greathouse
took it back and again resumed the
editorship for about one year, when
he again sold out to Geo. B. Miller,
who published the same for several
months and he, like his predecessors,
Parker and Davis, relinquished the
paper to Mr. Greathouse, who contin-
ued to publish it until 1859, when he
conveyed it to Messrs. Sturgess and
Hickman. These gentlemen contin-
ued to publish it as a democratic
sheet until the nomination of Mr. Lin-
coln in 1860, when it became a repub-
lican paper.

The publication was continued by
these gentlemen until June 1861,
when both of them entered the army
of the LTnited States. On the night
of March 4. 1862, the office with all
its fixtures was destroyed by fire.

lllllll m H ii i!li"t^lUlin

KKSIDENCE OF MR. C. F. EMMEL.
North Fifth Street.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

51

ROY CHANDLER,

Of the Firm of Creel ain'. Cliaudlor,

Grocers.

i -* i^ 1^

LOUIS C. SCHUTZ.
A Young and Frcjsperous Tailor.

R. H. STURGESS.

'PcllcM- and Bookkeeper First Nalion-

al Bank.

THE FAYETTE DEMOCRAT.

This paper was established in the
fall of 1S59 by the leading democrats
in the county, among whom were
Daniel Gregory, B. W. Henry, Geo.
H. Dieckmann, and John Shirley,
who placed the same under the man-
agement of Messrs. Carman and
Flynn, who ran it jointly for a year
or so, when Mr. Carman retired, and
it continued under Mr. Flynn's man-
agement until the summer of 1SG2.
when he withdrew. For a while it
ran itself until the spring of ISOS.
when Mr. Charles G. Smith, who for-
merly published the "Blizabethtown
Intelligencer" and the "Glasco Free
Press" in Kentucky, bought out the
paper and has had continuous man-
agement of same ever since. Mr.
Smith has had an experience of over
fifty years as a journalist and is a
man of marked ability.

The "Democrat" since its estab-
lishment has been a strict democratic
paper.

THE VANDALIA UNION.
By T. N. Lakin.

The Vandalia Union was establish-
ed in Vandalia. April, 18C4. by H. S.
Humphrey, who had come here from
Batavia. 111., at the earnest solicita-
tion of several leading republicans.
It was a fearless, uncompromising
exponent of republican principles
from the start, when it required nefve
to run a republican paper in Fayette
county.

Mr. Humphrey continued the pub-
lication of the paper alone until 1S68,
when he sold a half interest in the
paper to Will Richards, in order that
he might assume the duties of post-
master, an appointment he had well
earned by his faithful service to the
party.

The Union continued to be well
and ably edited by Humphrey & Rich-

ards until 1S!S7, when it passed into
the hands of Lou S. Matherly and J.
F. Sayles. Mr. Matherly a few months
later disposing of his interest to
Mr. A. G. Wall, of Bloomington,
111. Mr. Sayles received the ap-
pointment of postmaster from Presi-
dent Harrison in 1S9U, and the bur-
den of editorial work fell upon Mr.
Wall, whose brilliant editorials are
still fresh in the minds of our people.
March 10, 1893, the Union again
changed hands and' has since been
under the control of T. N. Lakin, Ira
D. Lakin and Jesse L. Lakin, under
the firm name of T. N. Lakin & Sons.
It is now, as it ever has been, the
leading republican paper iu the coun-
ty, and the party organ. The pres-
ent owners have striven to make it
a novel, political and social force in
the city and county by adhering

strictly to the presentation of tacts,
promulgating and defining the right,
and advocating that which it believes
to l)e the best interests of the people.
It is now in its 41st year, and the l^ilh
of the present management.

THE FAYETTE COUNTY NEWS.

The "Fayette County News" was
established in the year 187S. by a
few republicans, wlio had become dis-
satisfied with the "Vandalia Union"
and placed the same under the edi-
torial management of H. R. Miller,
who formerly edited the "Clay Coun-
ty Tribune." Its first issue was on
the 14th day of February, 1878. It
continued in the field about two years
when it discontinued, and was sold
to Mr. Rudolph Ernst, who moved it
away from Vandalia.

RESIDENCE OF trEoRGE \V. WALKER.

52

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

C. W. HIGINBOTOM, Deceasert,

One of the Old Time Hardware and

Harness Merchants.

CHAS. C. WAGNER. Deceased.
First Mayor, 1S69-S4-S5-S6.

HON. JOHN P. VAN DORSTON,

Deceased, Ex-United States Attorney,

Ex-State Senator. Ex-Co. Judge.

THE VANDALIA LEADER.
By C. F. Coleman.

In September, 1SS9, J. M. Albert.
Car! Dieckman, T. W. Hart, and per-
haps others of this city, H. H. Bing-
ham, of Bingham, and J. P. Kennedy,
of Shobonier, got together and conclu-
ded to establish a third newspaper in
Vandalia, and as a consequence the
Leader was launched upon the sea of
journalism. The paper was presum-
aljly established to fill a long felt
want — and incidentally the pocket-
books of the promoters. Whether
this "long felt want" has been filled
or not we leave for the public to
judge; but it is quite certain that the
pocketbooks of the promoters were
never filled in consequence of the es-

tablishment of the "long felt want,"
for one by one the men in whose
brain the idea of the establishment
of the paper first had its birth soon
tired of the experiment and retired,
the one selling out to the other until
finally Mr. Hart became the sole pro-
prietor. Mr. Hart was then the
county superintendent of schools and
not having the time to devote to the
paper that it seemed to require he
associated with him his brother, E.
D, Hart, who became the manager.
This was in the spring of 1891, and
before the close of that year the
"long felt" did not fill the pockets of
the proprietors as rapidly as they
thought it should and they concluded
to sell the establishment, and conse-
quently they looked around for a

SCENE ON GALLATIN STREET.
"Wild Hill's" Parade.

"sucker" and found one at St. Elmo
in the person of the editor of the St.
Elmo Times, and to him they sold
their plant and "good will," demand-
ing and receiving a good price for the
latter article. The ofiice at that time
consisted of a few cases of news-
paper type, a Washington hand press,
a stove, a desk, a few chairs, a couple
of stools and the proverbial office
towel. It had no Job press or job
type and was not prepared to do any
kind of job printing, except perhaps
a sale or horse bill. The present pro-
prietor added to the plant which he
purchased of Mr. Hart the material
from the old St. Elmo Times office,
thus making it possible to do almost
any kind of commercial printing, and
since that time the office has been
upon a paying basis, making a little
money as the years have come and
gone, yet we would not have our
readers to understand by this that
the pocketbook of the proprietor has
become so inflated as to render it
necessary for him to retire from busi-
ness in order to keep the string
around it from breaking; but the
business of the office has slowly yet
steadily increased and in order to
keep up with the demands of the pub-
lie the office has been gradually im-
proved until now we believe it to be
one of the best printing establish-
ments in Southern Illinois. The old
Washington hand press has given
way to a new and improved power
machine. The office also contains
two job presses — a new 10x15 Chand-
ler & Price Gordon having just been
added — a new 25 inch "Advance" pa-
lier cutter, and all the latest faces of
job type, all the machinery in the
office being propelled by a Fairbanks
& Morse latest improved gasoline en-
gine.

During its fourteen years' exist-
ence the office has been carted around
from one building to another, always

SOUVFiXlR C)i' VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

53

FREDERICK REM ANN,
City Attorney.

A. D. SEFTON,
SuptTinteiuient of Poor Fiuiu.

MEi\.IA.MIN BINGA.MAN.
Grain Buyer and Ex-Alderman.

being located on the second floor.
But recently the heavy machinery
which had been added rendered it
unsafe to occupy a second floor and
being unable to rent a ground floor
at a satisfactory price the proprietor
has shown his faith in the future of
Vandalia and the paper by purchas-
ing the Ringe property, on the west
side of the square, which was thor-
oughly overhauled and fitted up into
one of the most convenient offices in
this section. In the front room of
the ground floor is the editorial, or
business office; in the rear of this is
the press room containing the press-
es, the engine and the other heavy
machinery, while the second floor is
fitted up into a most convenient com-
posing room, where the type which
goes to make up the paper and job
forms is set and arranged for the
press.

THE VANDALIA CHRONICLE.

This was the title of a non parti-
san paper established in Vandalia by
Mr. E. Hogue ElIiiT. who published
it for about one year, and not meet
ing with the success anticipated by
its founder, he discontinued its pul)-
lication and moved the office from
Vandalia.

Mr. Elliff was an editor of fine at-
tainments and during the existence
of the "Chronicle" it was ably con-
ducted.

THE FARMER'S STATESMAN.

This paper was estaljlished in 1S9(I,
by the "Farmers' Alliance" or "Peo-
nies Party" and placed under the edi-
torial management of George W.
Wolf, who ran it on the Ishmaelitish
order, denouncing all parties and
individuals who did not endorse the
principles advanced by the paper.

It finally became so obnoxious that
those who started it liecame disgust-
ed with it and its editor, and discon-
tinued its pul)liration.

THE DAILY JOURNAL.

This was the title of a daily paper
that was launched on the 22nd day
of July, 1894, to "fill a long felt want"
It was under the control and man-
agement of Messrs. Bolt and Spur-
geon, its editors and owners. Its pub-
lication was continued about three
months, and not finding the want it
quit the field. This was the only
daily paper ever attempted in Van-
dalia.

Some Stories of the
KdLskaskia River.

The Navigation of the Kaskaskia
River.

Soon after the location of the cap-
ital at Vandalia. a bill was introduced
into the legislature providing tor the
navigation of the KaskasUia from its
mouth to Vandalia. Quite a number
of the members of the general as-
sembly were in favor of the measure.
When the bill reached the senate and

THE OLD CAF'ITOL BUILniXG.
As it apjx-ared after it was remodeled

54

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

s. J, SHAW,
Brick Manufacturer.

had been considered for some time
pro and con, the Hon. Peter Wairen,
then, a senator from Shelljy county,
arose and addressed the president of
the senate as follows:

Mr. President: — What do these
members know about the Kaskaskia
river? I live on the banks of that
stream, and I say to you and the mem-
bers of this august body, that turtles
have been known to run aground in
that stream, and further, that I can
go on a six weeks carousal and lay
flat on my belly, and drink it dry
from its source to its mouth."

This settled it and the Kaskaskia
is not navigable today.

Flat Boating by Wm. H. Lee.

During the winter of 1840 and 41,
Wm. H. Lee built two flat boats on
the Kaskaskia, and loaded them with
a cargo of produce, and when the
water rose in the spring, he started
on the long, tedious, and perilous
trip for New Orleans. Seven men ac-
companied the expedition. Mr. Lee
was captain of one boat and Alfred
Mathias of the other. They arrived
at their destination in safety and
traded his cargo for cotton, molas-
ses, coffee and etc., and sent them to
St. Louis by steamboat. This was
the first experiment in boating from
Vandalia, realizing a profit from the
venture.

Mr. Lee liuilt two lioats in tht' win-
ter of 1841-42. and in the snring of
the latter year, started for New Or-
leans. This time the cargi) comnris-
ed pork, beef corn and hoop jioles.
The prices naid at Vandalia for co'ti
was 20 cents per bushel, pork JL.'in
to $2,00 per cwt.. beef $1..50 per cwt.
Wheat sold that year for 31 cents m'-
bushel. The venture was a lu-ofilable
one to Mr. Lee.

The third trip was made in March

DR. JOSEPH S. KNOWLES, Dec'd.

Fur many years one of Vandalia's

Leading Physicians.

184(j, arriving in New Orleans June.
4th, following. That fleet comprised
three boats. Two of the boats con-
tained a cargo belonging to Ebenezer
Cajips. consisting of 5.0(10 bushels of
gi'ain. 15 hogsheads of toljacco. The
balance of the load was made up of
pork, Yankee beans and beef. The
following persons accompanied the
latter expedition: Capt. James Lin-
ton was the pilot; Capt. Lee in charge
of the fleet. Those accompanying as
assistants were Judge Joshua W.
Ross, James Albert, Daniel M. Mc-
Connell, Duncan Linn, Joseph Linn,
Thaddeus Smith, John Jones and
Bryant Whitford, Jr. During the
journey they encountered a severe
storm, and the hawser of the small
boat broke, and parted from the main
fleet, with two men on board. The

JACOB KATZ,
A Young and Successful Merchant.

other Ijoats proceeded on their way
to New Orleans. Arriving at the lat-
ter place, Capt. Lee went back on a
steamer to ascertain what became of
the small Ijoat. He found the boat
and two men at the landing at Baton
Rouge, and that the boat was no
longer fit for service. Capt. Lee was
now in a peculiar plight. Not want-
ing to lose his boat and contents, he
concluded, if possible, to effect a
sale, and with that shrewdness char-
acteristic of the old settler, he went
up in town to find a purchaser, with
instructions to the boys to pump out
the water as fast as they could, and
should they see him coming with a
purchaser, then to cease pumping
and stand idly by. The arrangement
worked like a charm. Capt. Lee's
plan, as will be seen, was not to let

RESIDEi\C;"^^^iULLON. J. A. BINGHAM.

SOUVEXTR OF VANDALIA, ILI.IXOIS.

55

GEO. R. FITCH, Deceased.
Former Attorney-at-law at Vandalia.

/

u

lil

if

N

^

1

J^

>- -

^T^

JACOB RITTER, Deceased,

An Old Resident and a Respected

Citizen.

MONTGO.MICKV HICKMAN. IH'C'd.
Ex-Deputy County Clorli.

the verdant Louisianian know of the
condition of the lioat. He found a
purchaser, and sold out the entire
outfit for four hundred and sixty dol-
lars in cash, and with his men took a
steamer standing by for New Orleans.
In two hours after he took passage
the flat boat and cargo sank, which
was quite unfortunate for the pur-
chaser. Mr. Lee is still alive, living
on his farm near Shobonier, 111., at
the advanced age of ninety years and
bids fair to live to the age of 100.

Uncle Frank Lee's Fish Story.

Uncle Prank Lee, who is now in his
87th year, was in Vandalia a few
weeks previous to the issuing of the
Souvenir Edition of Historic Old Van-
dalia, and was shown some of the
advance pages of the book, one of
which shows the picture of his fath-
er's old water mill, mention of which
is made elsewhere in this work.
Wbile the picture is a reproduction
of an old oil painting, Mr. Lee said
it was an exact likeness of the old
mill as he used to know it, and where
he spent many a day in his early
youth "toting" erain to the hopner
and doing such other jobs as were in
his province to do. As he looked
again and again at the picture, the
old octogenarian said it brought to
his memory a fish story that was a
fish story. "Believe it or not." "aid
TTricIe Frank, with one of his char-
actpriotic lauarhs. "One day. along
towards evenine. father called me to
make ready to start the mill to erind
some tolls. The big reaction wheel
had made but a few rounds when it
suddenly stopped with a 'chug'. Fath-
er called me to go below and see
what was the matter. Bless you.

what did I find but five big blue cat
fish lodged against the wheel. By
hard pulling, we managed to get them
out. The largest weighed just ex-
actly 110 pounds, while the smallest
fish drew 90 pounds. They were
turned over to me to dress. I hung
each of them up and skinned them
the same as you would hogs. I know
this sounds a little 'fishy.' to the
youngsters of today." continued
Uncle Frank as he looked sq\iarely
into the faces of his listeners, "but
its the truth, every word of it just
as I tell you."

The Old Wooden Bridge Over the
Okaw.

The old bridge of which a cut is
shown in this work, was built by the
United States government across the
Okaw. or Kaskaskia river at Vanda-
lia. and was the western terminus of
tile Cumberland, or National road.
The road was never l)uilt any farther
west than Vandalia. This bridge
was undoubtedly the finest structure
of its kind in the United States. The
abutments were of lime stone rock,
quarried 12 miles north of Vandalia

RESIDENCE OF HON. W. M. F.^RMEK.
N. E. Corner of Gth and Randolph Sts.

56

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

HON. ROBT. K. McLAUGHLIN.

Ex-State Treasurer and Registrar of

Land Office.

MRS. ANN THOMPSON. Deceased.
For many years Proprietor of Thomp-
son Hotel.

ISABELLA BOND McLAUGHLIN.
Wife of Robt. K. McLaughlin.

on Ramsey Creek, and conveyed to
Vandalia by ox wagons over rougii
and muddy roads. The masonry work
is of the finest order, showing that
none but experienced workmen were
employed.

This bridge was ISM) feet long an<l
40 feet wide, with two roadways, and
a porch or sidewalk on the north and
south side for pedestrians. It had
ten windows on each side, neatly
cased and blinded, for the purpose
of admitting light inside as well ar
to add beauty to the bridge. It was
sided with the finest tongue and
grooved lumber and covered with
shingles.

In order to convey some idea of the
cost of this structure, the following

bill as rendered to the contractors
will show:

St, Louis, June 18. 1S4(I.
J. W. Berry. Dr., to Hemingway & Co.
To blinds and frames for Ijridge.

2ii blinds. $4.50 per blind ..$9n.iMi
To 2(1 frames, $2.75 per frame.. 55. no
To six hundred and seventy

feet of cornice for bridge. .. .194. on

$339.oii
Received payment.

Hemingway & Co.
The writer has the original bill in
his possession. This material was
conveyed from St. Louis to Vandalia.
a distance of 70 miles, by wagon.

This bridge was kept beautifully
painted and in good repair for years.

and then gradually neglected until it
was finally left to go into decay, until
the time it was torn down to make
way for the modern iron bridge, in
1S7S. It was a great resort of sum-
mer evenings, and Sunday after-
noons, of the citizens, old and young.
It was supplanted by an iron bridge
in 1878, having been condemned as
unsafe (which proved a mistake).
When it was torn down, not a rotten
or decayed timber was found in it,
except in the roof, which could have
been easily repaired, and the bridge
would have been standing today as
good as ever.

TIIIKU WAKl) I'lBLIC SCHOOL lUlLDIXG.

CAPP'S OLD STORE.

This old building is still standing
on the corner of Fourth and Main
street, a cut of which is given here-
in. This was in its time one of the
largest commercial houses in Illinois
and was known from Vandalia to
New Orleans. Mr. Capps used to is-
sue a price current, which ruled the
market for all the country around.
He bought everything any one had
for sale and sold everything from a
needle to an elephant. Hon. John W.
Henderson, of Cedar Ranids, Iowa, in
the Evening Gazette of that city in
its issue of January 9. 1904. relates
the following in speaking of Vanda.
lia: "I recollect an amusing inci-
dent that occurred. A man by the
name of Capps kept a store, and one
member of the legislature wagered
another an oyster supper that he
co\ild not call for an article in his
store that Capps could not produce.
TTnon arriving at the store a Goose
Yoke was asked for. Capps went to
a shelf, came back and handed out
the article, remarking that he kept
them especially for the members of
the legislature."

SOUVENIR UF \ANDALIA, II.I.IXOIS.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OF VANDALIA

BY PROFESSOR W, H. PYLE.

NO part of the history of a coiinnu-
uity is of such interest to all the
people as the history of the public
schools, and could such a history be
truly and fully written, giving all of
interest about every person that has
attended the public schools, what a
wonderful work it would be! This
entire volume would hardly sufHce for
an introduction. But we can only
give a few facts, and let the imagi-
nation of the reader fill in the details
of an interesting story.

From 1819, Vandalia has had some
sort of school. Our schools are.
therefore, as old as the state. The
fact is significant that from the firsi
Vandalia has looked after the educa-

tion ot her lioys and girls, and Ibis
careful training of the young has
left its impress in the cull\ire and
lefinement of the people, as w'ell as
in the success of the business and
])r(}fessi(inal men. The city has main-
tained a public high school since
1S74. It was organized under .Mr. .1.
I). Collins as principal. The high
school graduates may be found among
Ihe leading men and women of Van-
dalia. Many have gone elsewhere
:' 111 have mTde their influence felt in
i;tlier comm'initie~. There have bee '.
]S0 gr.iduates and their influence on
the life of the cmnmnnity can hanlly
be overestimated.

The schools have long maintained a

doparlment of music and drawing,
which has been of great value in de-
veloping the children. The following
is taken from an annual report of
Principal Baxter in the early eighties:
■"riie so called 'Fads' of music and
drawing should constitute a part of
the course of study. Drawing has
been taught in most of the rooms, but
no course has been adopted by Ihe
Board of Education. Vandalia can
afford them. Can she afford lo do
without them?"

At the present time music and
drawing is a regular department of
the schools under the charge of a
special teacher. The department was
reorganized under the direction of
Miss Grace Swift, in 1901. Miss Swifl
resigned in 1903, and was succeeded
by Miss Laura Briggs. This is now
one of the best departments of the
schools, and the work done compares
favorably with that of the best
schools in the state.

The High School was reorganized
in lOii], under H. L. Smith as super-

TE.^CHERS V.\.\IiALI.\ ri'l'.LIC SClinoLS, 1 IHi.'M '.lo-t.

RE.\DING FR(5M LEFT TO RIGHT.

Standing: C. H. Schafer, Sallie M. Stili,m.\n, John L FRvr:, W. H. Pyle, Supt., Lauka KkI'.i^s, I^ucile .Slater, Fred R. Tate,

I. J. BULLINGTON.

Sitting: Hattie Neill, Lizzie Perrvman, Jessie Craig, H. A. Echols, Principal. Jennie Kiiin, jVsst. Principal, Ara Crouch,

Blanche Beebe.

58

SOUVEXIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF McILVVAIN POST NO. 273, DEI'AKT.MENT OF ILLINOIS, G. A. R.

READING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, FIRST ROW.

J. D. Collins, Quartermaster; H. |. Remington, Officer of the Dav; S. B. Stout, Junior Vice Commander; D. C. Zimmer.man, Commander;
J. L. Thompson, senior Vice Commander; T.C.Mills, Adjutant; L. T. Penwell, Chaplain.

SECOND ROW.

N.\THAN GUFFV. CH.^S. H. \V.\SHBURN, WM. A. MCNUTT, THOS. J. BOLT, B. W. HENRY, A. H. PETTIBONE, JAS. H. BROWNING.

THIRD ROW.

H. A. BINGAMAN, WELLINGTON Mertz, JOSEPH F. James, Officer of the Day ; WM. H. Guy, Surgeon; Naaman Bascom, Chris Schafer.

■RTTcILWAIN Post No. 273, Department of Illinois, G. A. R., was organized June II, 1883, with forty-five charter
members. The following comrades have served as commander in the order named: R. H. Sturgess, J. D.
Collins, F. Remann, O. W. Wall, S. B. Stout, Robert Neill, T. C. Mills, J. H. Ringe, John Jenkins, W. D. Haizlip, A.
Ray. S. P. Boyer. H. Sefton, H. A. Bingaman, J. H.Johnson and D. C. Zimmerman. Sturgess and Remann served
more than one term each The officers of the Post for 1904 are as follows: Commander, D. C. Zimmerman; Senior
Vice, J. S. Thompson; Junior Vice, S. B. Stout; Chaplain, L. T. Penwell; Surgeon, W. H. Guy; Quarter Master, J. D.
Collins; Officer Day, H.J. Remington; Guard, J. F.James; Adj., T. C. Mills; Q. M.S., A. B. Clow; Serg. Maj., J. M.
Ungles; I. G., John Goodbrake. The Post is in a flourishing condition, has a nice hall leased and fitted up with
carpet and pictures of prominent soldiers, and hold regular meetings the first Monday night in each month. Its
sick members are looked after by the Post, and its deceased members are buried with military honors. Memorial
services are held each Decoration Day, and large congregations assemble at South Hill cemetery, where thee.\ercises
are held, and a program including an oration is rendered from the pagoda erected by the Post and city some vears
ago. The pretty custom of decorating the graves of dead comrades, established by the G. A. R. and annually car-
ried out on the 30th of May, has been appreciated and followed by the people until all the graves are literally cov-
ered with flowers on this occasion, and the cemetery is a thing of beauty. On the Sabbath preceding Decoration
Dav, union services are held in one (jf the churches, at which the Post, Corps and Circle attend in a body and listen
to a memorial sermon preached bj' some minister designated bj- the Post.

SOUVENIR OF \'ANDAT,IA. II.MXOIS.

PRESENT OlFlCHRS AND FAST PKESIUENTS OF McILWALX \V().\L\N'S RELIEF Cf)KPS, NO. 221.

READING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

First Row, Miss Amanda Sayles, Mrs. Ethleex Bowles, Miss Ida Wall.

Second Row, Mks..\Iarv Hardi.ng, Mrs. Sarah Jerauld, .Mrs. Lucv .Mills, .Mrs. Anna Ellicott, Mrs. JaneStahl, Mrs. anna Easi ehdav

Third Row, Mrs. Harriet Daugherty, Miss Lucy Sonnemann. Mrs. Julia remann, Mrs. Fannie Waterman,

Mrs. Alice VanDorston. Mrs. Jane Owens.

"KTcILWAIN Womatis Relief Corps No. 221, auxiliary to Mcllwain Post No. 273, Department of Illinois, G. A. R.,
was instituted January 2, 1893, by instituting officer Carrie Garry of East St. Louis, with twenty-one
charter members, seventeen of whom are still living. During the first year the membership grew to sixty-eight.
Mrs. Alice VanDorston was the first president. Post No. 273, G. A. R., having decided to organize a Woman's Re-
lief Corps as an auxiliary, voted to pay the expense of charter and supplies, which was $14.33. The Corps re-
funded this amount the first year, besides presenting the Post with a handsome flag, and assisted them in a supjjcr
in which $22.00 were cleared. The records of the first year show that forty-two dollars and fifty cents ($42.50)
were expended for relief and turned over to the Post. The Corps responds to every call for help and never fails to
assist the Post, the needy soldier, his widow and orphans. The amount of money the Corps has expended during
its existence is as follows: To decorate soldier's graves in the South, $16.00; ainouiit turned over to Mcllwain
Post, $185.00; amount spent for the relief of soldiers and their families, $318.64; sent to Chicago for Soldier's
Home, $25.00; to Soldier's Orphan Home, $5.00; a ilag for Mcllwain Posi , $7.50; donated to Sons of Veterans
College, $5.00; estimated amount other than moneys donated by members of the Corps and furnished to needy
families of soldiers, $400.00; estimated amount other than money, for fruit and other articles donated by memliers
of the Corps and sent to Soldier's Home, $30.00. Mcllwain Relief Corps is in a flourishing condition, with Mrs.
Lucy Mills as President and sixty good working members, of whom thirty-one are soldiers' wives, eightaresoldiers'
sisters, nine are soldiers' daughters, and twelve are loyal ladies. Following is a list of the Past Presidents: Mrs.
Alice VanDorston, one year; Mrs. Julia Remann, two years; Mrs. Sarah Jerauld, two years; Mrs. Mary Harding,
two years; Mrs. Theresa Bingaman, one year; Mrs. Anna Easterday, two years. The ])resent officers are: Presi-
dent, Mrs. Lucy Mills; Senior Vice, Mrs. Sarah Jerauld; Junior Vice, Mrs. Anna Ellicott; Secretary, Mrs. Mary
Harding; Treasurer, Mrs. Ethleen Bowles; Chaplain, Miss Lucy Sonnemann; Conductress, Miss Amanda Sayles;
Assistant Conductress, Mrs. Harriet Dougherty; Guard, Mrs. Jane Stahl; Assistant Guard, Mrs. Louisa Wall.

60

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

intendent, and W. H. Pyle as high
school principal, and Miss Jennie
Kidd as assistant. It maintains a
four year course, and the worlv is all
accredited by the State University.
The course comprises Algebra, 2
years; Geometry, 1 2-3 years; Arith-
metic, 1-3 year; Latin. 3 years; En-
glish, 3 years; Physiology, 1-2 year;
Physical Geography, 2-3 year; Botany,
1 year; Zoology, 1 year; Physics, 1
year; Elementary Economics, 1-2
year; Civics, 1-2 year; Chemistry, 1-2
year; Political Geography. 1-3 year;
General History, 1 year; English His-

tory. 1-2 year; U. S. History, 1-2 year;
and Music, Drawing, Spelling, and
Literary work throughout the course.
The High School principal for 1903-t
was H. A. Echols; the graduates, Vir-
ginia Farmer, Rachael Jerauld, Ma-
belle Sonnemann, Mabel Bingaman.
Nelle Stone and Frank Smith. The
Board of Education was Hon. J. J.
Brown, President; Hon. Geo. T. Turn-
er, Clerk; John Gochenour. H. A.
Bingaman. William West, H. C. Doyle
and Hon. B. W. Henry. The follow-
ing taken from a catalogue published
in 1SS2 is of great interest:

"The first school in Vandalia is
said to have been taught in a small
log house in 1819. the location of
which is unknown. A small frame
house west of the State House square
was used for a school house from
1822 until 1829. In 1831). Hon. Joseph
T. Eccles taught a school in a two-
stnry frame hovise on Block 32,
near the river bridge. A hewn
log school house stood on lot 7.
block 36, opposite the present resi-
dence of Miss Lucy Sonnemann, until
1834. Schools were held at different
times in the old Presbyterian church.

HOME STUDY KEADLXt; CIRCLE.

RliADlNG FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.

Standing: Mrs. JULIA Remann, Mrs. Ida Albert, Mrs. Jennie Higcins, Mrs. Minnie Bolin, Mrs. Anna Pitkin, Miss Jennie Jerauld,
Mrs. Ruth Re.xwinkle, Mrs. Mattie Crow, Miss Carrie Johnson, Mrs. Maud Whiteman, Mrs. Belle Carmack,

MRS. Aline Gochenour, Mrs. Addie Wehh.
Sitting; Miss Lizzie I'F.RRVMAN, Mrs. Rebecca Clark, Miss Jessie Craig, Mrs. Lena Imes, Mrs. Mii.a Kitter, Mrs. (Irace Hyde,

Mrs. Maud May, Miss Aka Crouch, Miss Hattie Neill.

' I ' HE Home Study Reading Circle was orgiinized Dceemher 8, liS98. Mrs. Ilortcnsc Pcaii was the lirst [jresidciit
and Miss Clara Boganl the first secretary, with the following charter nieinbers: Mrs. Ida .Uhert, Mrs.
Rebecca Clark, Mrs. Ruth Rexvvinkle, Mrs. Mary Laughlin, Mrs. Mila Ritter, Mrs. Adda Webb, Mrs. Hortense
Dean, Mrs. Ida Spencer, Mrs. Lcnna Imcs, Mrs. Aline Oochenonr, Mrs. Mary E;nierick, Mrs Ma.ggic Dinges, Mrs.
Matilda West, Misses Clara Hogard, Minnie Bolin, Lillie Creel, Hattie Neill, Lizzie Ferryman, Irene Eshleman.
This society joined the State Feileration of Women's CInbs in Inly, 1901 . The nieinbership now stands as .shown in
the above picture, with the following corresponding members: Mrs. Hortense Dean, Mrs. Clara Bogard Brown,
Mrs. Lillie Creel GralT, Mrs. Ethel Hutchinson, Mrs. j. A. Hawk, Miss Grace Swift.

SOTn'EXlR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

61

A COLLECTION" OF FAYETTE COLNTY BIRDS.
Procured and Mounted bv E. F. Steinhauer.

npHE accompanving picture shows a group of Fayette County birds, and a tew animal specimens, collected and

mounted by Yandalia's taxidermist, Mr. E. F. Steinhauer. This collection was begun in 1888, and in ten

years was practicallv completed so far as a strictly County collection ^oes. It consists of 283 specimens of birds,

regular visitors, and some that are accidental visitors. The number of foreign birds and animals is about twenty

specimens. Few people re;

uize l;o

w favored I'ayctte County is in birds of all kinds. \Ye have our prairies, our

wooded uplands, our bottoms, and abundance of overflow to attract water fowl and sea birds. When Mr. Stein-
hauer first conceived the idea of making a strictly County collection, he did not believe he would be able to find over
fifty or seventy-five specimens, but with alieady nearly three hundred collected he finds there arc yet something like
thiitv specimens to procure. These are largely ducks, plover, hawks and gulls. In procuring the larger birds, Mr.
Steinhauer has been assisted very materially by Mr. Charles Hagey, who is also somewhat of a naturalist, and who
has an exceediuglv fine eve for the larger specimens. This collection has become an item of educational interest, as
manv of the pu])ils of the Vandalia Public Schools and throughout the county, those interested more especially in
natural history, visit Mr. Steinhauer's "den" quite frec|nently and seem to manifest a very great interest in his
almost life-like specimens. Fayette County has all the birds of Eastern North .America, except strictly sea birds.
In this collection one may find the tiny humming l)ird as well as the large ])elican and sand hill crane. There are
also shown about eighteen different kinds of ducks, fifteen of hawks, many specimens of snipe, plover and galinales,
of which the collection is complete; and small, tiny wood warblers, delicate in color and light of plumage, having
all the colors of the rainbow. There are thirty five of the latter in the collection, l.-ieking only three of having every
variety in liastern North .America. Then there arc the many toningers, cardinals, orioles, gross beaks, etc These
birds are all numbered and listed, and afford a very interesting study. A few of this collection are now almost ex-
tinct, as are the paraquet that visited cherry trees here fifty years ago, which cannot now be found this side of
Eastern Southern States.

62

SOUVENTR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

THE T. S. CLUB.

reading from left to right, first row!
Mrs. Birdie Haywakd. Miss Carrie Johnson, Miss Hallie Eshleman, Mrs. Bettie Cahill, Mrs. Nellie L.\kin, JIks. maud Wiiiteman,

Mrs. Louie Parkinson, Mrs. Bessie E.asterdav.

READING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, SECOND ROW.

Mrs. Madge Merry. Mrs. Tillie West, Miss Clara Hinchcliff, Mrs. Wave Houston, .Mi.ss Ara Lakin,

Mrs. anna white, Mrs. Belle Carmack.

T^HE T. S. C. is the oldest club in Vandalia, having been organized in September, 1889, by a band of school girls,
who desired a social organization for the perpetuity of sehi>oI-day friendships. It has at times taken u]3 liter-
ary and philanthropic work, ihough in the main its object and plans arc to provide only for the lighter element
of social life.

from 1S31 to ISSiJ, also in an unfin-
ished Baptist church that stood on
the lot opposite the present residence
of Miss Josie Gregory, previous to
1837.

A small frame house that stood
near where the county jail now stands
was used as a school house previous
to and occasionally after the donation
of the east half of the State House in
1839. The old State House served
for a school house from 1839 to 1857.
when the Seminary was huilt. The
legislature donated the east half of

the State House to Fayette Seminary
Association in 1839, and in 1857 it
was sold to the county. The Associ-
ation bought of Joseph T. Eccles lots
5, 6 and 7. block 20, for $300.00, and
with the assistance of the Vandalia
school district, built the Seminary
building. In 1864, the trustees of the
Fayette Seminary Association deed-
ed an undivided half of the three lots
to the trustees of Vandalia School
District for $4000. Two buildings on
block 55 were rented from 1867 to
1872, when the third ward school

house was built. In 1878. the trus-
tees rented the building now occu-
pied by C. F. Coleman as a residence,
but was at the time it was rented, the
German Methodist church for the
term of five years.

The schools were regraded and the
High School established in 1874; Mel-
anthon Easterday, President of the
Board, and John D. Collins, Principal.
From the same source is obtained
the following:

"A Mr. Jackson is said to have been
the first school teacher in 1819. He

CHARLES J. MARTY,
A Prominent Pharmacist, with the
Humphrey Drug & Book Company
coni inuously for nearly 20 years.

CHARLES EVANS,

Junior Member of the Hardware

Firm of Jas. S. Evans & Sons.

H. J. GOCHENOUR,
Of the Firm of John Gochenour &
Son, Real Estate, Loans and Immi-
grition Agent.

SOTTA-F\TR OF \'ANDAI.TA, TTT.IXOTS.

63

Till-; WOMAN'S cLrn.

KKADIXG KKdM LEFT TO RKIHT, FIRST ROW:
Marv a. GounoN, Neh.ik G. Bkown, Ai>Ki,\nii-: Brown, Ai.i.ie Foglf.r, Sue Wallace, Ina T. Council. Abhie M. Turner, Celia Rummei..

REAniNG FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, SECOND ROW:

Etta C. SciiENKER, Haiui- M. Kuciikv, Margaret S. Sturgess, May Coleman, Sallie M. Stillman, Belle L. Emmel,

Jose F. Humphrey, Harriet K. Beach.

'T'HE WOM.AN'S CLUB was oroanizerl in November, 1897. The object of this club is intellectual culture and
mutual help in literary affairs. The first officers of the club were: President, Mrs. Sallie Stillman; Secretary,
Miss .Adelaide Brown; Treasurer, Mrs. May Coleman; Executive Committee, Mrs. Allie Fogler, Mrs. Abbie Turner,
Miss .Anna Hayward; Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, Mrs. Nellie Brown, Mrs. Jose Humphrey, Mrs.
Sue Wallace. The metnbcrshi]5, is limited to twenty and the present roster consists of the following persons:
Miss .\delaide Brown, Mesdames Harriet K. Beach, Nellie G. Brown, May K. Coleman, Ina T. Council, Belle L.
Einmel, Illinois V. Farmer, .\llie E. Fogler, Mary A. Gordon, Waverly H. Houston, Jose F. Humphrey, Rose R.
Reraann, Hattie M. Ritchey, Celia M. Runimel, Etta C. Schenker, Sallie M. Stillman, May D. Stone, Margaret S.
Sturgess, .\bbie M. Turner, Sue C. Wallace. The officers for the ensuing year are: President, Allie E. Fo.gler; Vice
President, May K. Coleman; Recording Secretary, Rose R. Remann; Corresponding Secretary, Hattie M. Ritchey;
Treasurer, Marv .A. Gordon.

died before his term ended, and was T. Eccles, 1S30: Miss McClay, in lS.3i- B. Southworth. Mrs. Marie E. Slade.

followed by Dr. Van Fleck. Other
teachers were Mrs. Sarah Morse, in
1822; Russell Botsford. in 1823: Jere-
miah Abbott, in 1829; Miss Elizabeth
Hunt, Rev. Stewart, and Hon. Joseph

35; Mr. and Mrs. Evans, 1S35 and 36;
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Caruthers, 1S30
to 1839; Wm. H. Stoddard, D. D.. M.
D., and his daughter, Lucy, 1S39 to
1841; Rev. Kellum, Mr. Lathrop. Hon.

Hon. Albert G. Burr, Dr. Johnson.
Mr. Pearce and Greenup Bird. 1840
to 1852; Rev. Snyder and Mrs. Wol-
cott, 1852 and 1853; Franklin S. Mc-
Cord and A. G. Campbell, 1S54 and

J. J. BULLINGTON.

Principal of Vandalia School of

Shorthand and Typewriting.

E. F. STEINHAUER. Taxidermist.

Foreman of the C. Gloede Wagon

Works.

WILL J. URBANL
Leading Jeweler and Successor
Joseph Urbani. Deceased.

of

64

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

1S55; Timothy Robinson, 1S55 and
1856; Ezra Jenkins and the two Rei-
singer brothers, 1S56 and 1857. Ezra
Jenkins taught the last school in the
State House and the first school in
the Seminary building.

From this time on down to the
present, we give only the name of the
principal teacher or superintendent.
1858-59. Joshua Lazarus; 1859-60,
J. G. Herriman; I860. John E. Kin-
ney; 1860 to 1861, Capt. Chas. W.
Horr; 1861-62, J. Russell Johnson;
1862-3, W. P. Laman; 1863-64, Stephen
D. Blatchley; 1864 to 1S66, J. H. San-
born; 1866-67, Miss R. D. McDear-

main; 1867-68. W. B. Catherwood:
1868-69, Wm. H. Terry; 1869-70, Wm.
Cunningham; 1870-72, L. L. Taylor;

1872-73, D. P. Pratt; 187;

John D.

Collins; 1875-77, William M. Crich-
ton; 1877-80. John D. Collins; 1880-
82, David S. Chilcoat.

From other sources the list is
completed to the present time as fol-
lows: 1882-83. Walter Chandler;
1883-84. Joel M. Bowlby; 1884-86. Rev.
Mr. Hursh; 1886-87. H. B. Tarbet ;
1887-90. D. C. Brown; 1890-93. W. F.
Baxter; 1893-1901. J. N. Street; 1901-
03. H. L. Smith; 1903, W. H. Pyle.

A record of the schools is not com-

plete with the names of the principals
only. Among the grade teachers
that have been longest in the service
and left their influence on hundreds
of children may be mentioned the fol-
lowing: Mrs. Geo. B. Capps. Mrs. I.
N. Leever, Miss Lena Barr, Miss
Rosamond McCord, Mrs. Hattie M.
Ritchey, Mrs. L. M. McCord. Mrs. F.
C. Humphrey, Mr. and Mrs. C. F.
Easterday, Mrs. Sallie Stillman. Miss
Lizzie Perryman, Miss Hattie Neil.
J, L, Frye, C. H. Schafer, Mrs. John
J. Brown and Miss L. H. Briggs.

PANSY HUNTING .\ND FISHING CLUB.

First Rov

KE.^DI.Ni; FKOM LEFT TO RIGHT

D\<. H. D. Smt Til, F. C, HrMi'URF^', (tFo. Hausfmann, C. F. Emmfl, Stcond Rov

Jos. C.^TES, W. A. Havward. Thos. Wilson.

'T'lIE HUNTING CLUB, known now as the Pansy Huntin.c; and Fishin.s Club, was organized Oct. 1st, 1891,
witli C. I'. Emmel, I. S. Chapman, John M. Enck, J. M. Eshlcman and Gregory Fmike as members. It had
for its object hunting, hshitig, and general sociability. The name "Pans^' Hunting and Fishing Club" was not
adopted till January, 1902. This Club has a nicely furnished room, and meets onee a week the year around. It is
equipped with a (irst-class cam]jing outfit, dishes, cooking utensils, and all such paraphernalia as go to make up
the requirements of an up-to-date camping club. This club has its annual outing, and its members pride themselves
on having never missed a season since its organization. The Club's present members are: C. F. Emmel, President;
Joseph Cates, Vice-President; W. A. Havward, Secretary; F. C. Huniphre3', Treasurer; George Hauseraann, Dr. H.
D. Smith, J. S. Cha])nian, Thomas Wilson and W. G. West,

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

■65

THE.

BANKS

OF

VANDALIA

"NONE SUCH CLI'l'..'
A social organization composer! of thirteen of X'anilalia's pretty young girls.

READING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Top Row. Grace Smith, Bessik Griffith.

Second Row, ZOR.\ Whitte.v, Gr.\ce Sonnem.^nn.

Third Row. FLKT.i Sayles, .Mtjie Binga.man, Gi.Anvs Weisb,

Fourth Row, ALLIE GocHENODR, EUALIA Smith. Mii.a Morey, Mayme Roth.

Lower Row, NELLIE CLARK. Ruby HERMANN.

Che first Bank.

The first bank was organized in
V'ancialia in 1S21. and was called the
I.esal Tender or State Banli. Thos.
Matlier was president, and .James
Kelly was cashier. This lianU was
formed on the credit of tlie state and
was to have a capital of $.51111, imid, and
to issue in the beginning only .I.SOii.-
lioii in currency. The state through
the directors was to manage tlu' main
bank, and the branches, the whole
to remain under the control of the
General Assembly. Money was to be
loaned to no individual on personal
security in sums above .fldU; larger
sums to Ije secured by real estate,
the rate of interest was to lie ii per
cent per annum. A princijial bank
was established at Vandal ia. and four
or five branches in other places. The
paper if this bank was never at par.
and sunk at times t'l twenty-five
cents en the dollar. This bank lin-
gered along until IS'il. when it was
wound up.

The following amusing interest oc-
curred in connection with it. The
journals of the legislature show that
a resolution was passed requesting
the United States government to re-
ceive the notes of this bank in the
land office in payment for public
lands, ^^■hen the vote was taken in
the senate upon the adoption of the
resolution. Col. Pierre Menard, who
was then IJeutenant Governor presid-
ing over that body, with more .iitdg-
ment than elegance pitt the question,
and made the following comment:
"Gentlemen of ze senate, it is move,
and second flat de notes of ze bank
be made land office money. AH in
favor of de motion say aye. does
a.gainst say no. It is decide in favor
of the affirmative, and now gentle-
men, I bet you one hundred dollair
he never be land office money,"

Natton.ll Bank of Tandalta.

The National Bank of Vandalia was
nrganized in Au.gust. 1S6.5, with a cap-
ital of $.011,0110, by Dr. N. M. McCurdy.
Col. F. Remann. Hon. Daniel Gre-
.gory, Simeon Perkins, Samuel Fog-
ler, C, A. Sonnemann, .lames M.
Whiteman, .Joshua l.azarus, Gorton
D, Jerauld, James H. Scott, and J. D.
Ivowery. Dr. N. M. McCurdy was
chosen president and Joshua J.azarus,
cashier. Dr. McCurdy served as
president up to the time of his death.
September .30, 187S, and Joshua I>az-
arus served as cashier until February
186B. when he resigned and George
W. Brown was chosen cashier. Sim-
eon Perkins was elected to the office
of president, vice McCurdy, deceased.

66

SOUVENIR OF A^\NDALTA, ILLINOIS.

FAYETTE COUNTY BOARO (_)F SUFBRYISOKS l'J04-.

READING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Kirst Row, Geo. A. Brown, Otego Township; A. D. Sefton, Siipt. County Farm.

Second Row, Henry C. Brown, Vandalia Township; D. S. Thoman, Sharon Township; Robert Hunt, Jr., Carson Township;

W. W. Whitten, Hurricane Township, Chairman of Board; Geo. E. .Shutt, Ramsey Township; I. D. Workraam, Loudon Township.

Third Row, \V. I. Moore, Pope Township; B. D. Brown, Wilberton Township: S. P, Sefton, Sefton Township;

P. R. Bryson. Bowling (ireen Township; F. L. Campbell, Bear Grove Township; H. \V. Bahde, Lone Grove Township;

John Tedrick, Seminary Township.
Fourth Row. \V. H. Parks, Avena Township; J. F. Helm Jr., Wheatland Township; .^. E, Robinson, Kaskaskia Township;

N. L. Gantt, LaClede Township.

and he and George W. Brown, acted
as president and cashier until the e.K-
piration of the charter.

This banli was succeeded by "The
Bank of Vandalia," a partnership oe-
ing formed by the owners of the cap-
ital of "The National Bank of Van-
dalia." This bank continued in busi-
ness until 1894, when it went in'n
liquidation and its affairs were closed
up.

first National Bank.

One of the pleasing incidents in
Vandalia in the business year of
1895, was the incorporation of the
First National Bank, which began
business May 1st, with a paid up cap-
ital of $50,000.00.

The first officers and directors in-
cluded W. M. Fogler, President; W.
M. Farmer, Vice President; George
W. Brown, Cashier; and R. H. Stur-
,?ess. Assistant Cashier, with J. J.
Brown, C. G. Sonnemann, H. A. Bing-
aman, Fred Remann and G. D. Jer-
auld.

The first report to the comptroller
at Washington D. C. gave $47,000.00
deposits. The last report of June 9,
1904, shows more than $300,000.00 de-
posits. The growth of the First Nat-
ional Bank has been healthy from the
beginning. The careful, conservative
management, has given the public a
.iustified confidence, which has made
it one of the leading financial insti-
tutions in central Illinois.

The bank has always controlled
ample funds to meet the legitimate
demands of its customers. Its motto

has been to be safe, rather than
make dividends by questionable
means. With fireproof vaults, safe
protected by time lock, and burglar
insurance, patrons find no more se-
cure institution in which to place
money than the First National Bank.
A number of individual steel safe-
deposit boxes are kept for customers
at a nominal charge. Wills, insur-
ance policies, mortgages, bonds and
other valuable papers are taken en re
of for patrons of the bank, free of
charge. The bank at present is gov-
erned by the following well known
luisiness men as directors: J. J,
Brown, C. G. Sonnemann, W. M
Farmer, H. A. Bingaman, F. C. Eck'
ard and William Kasten. W. M,
Fogler, President; J. A. Gordon,
Cashier, and R, H, Sturgess, Assist
ant Cashier.

SOUVEXIR OF VANDALTA, IIXTXOTS.

VANDALIA CON'CERT HAND, OKliAXIZED I'EnRl'AkV I'J, l'jui>.

KliADING FKOil LEFT TO KICHT
First Row, Dexxv Bolt, Solo Clarinet: AKLiii Bolt, Ist Clarinet; G. Ralston Snook, Leader: Hur.H Bingaman, 2nd Clarinet;

Thomas Dieckmahn, ind B. flat Cornet.
Second Row. Frank Brown, 3rd Alto; Herman Springer, Solo Alto; Geo. Rutledge, 1st Alto; Wm. HAVXVARn, 1st B flat Cornet;

Geo. L. Whiteman, Solo Cornet, James Hankins, Solo Cornet.

Third Row, Herbert Sonnehan, Snare Drum; Harrv Loar, Tuba; Claud Ellis, Baritone; John Svfert, B. Bass;

Allie Mammen, 3rd Tenor; Charles Oliver, 2nd Tenor; Carl Ellis, 1st Tenor; Ezra Jenkins, Tuba; H. L. Austin, Bass Drum.

"Cbc farmer's & Merchant's Na-
tional Bank of Tandalta.

This bank was organized and open-
ed for business on the first day of
February, 1S71, with a capita) stoclv
of one hundred thousand dollars. The
first Board of Directors consisted of
Matthias Fehren, Christian A. Sonne-
mann, Daniel Gregory. Beverly W.
Henry. George H. Dieclimann. Elia"
B. Stokes, and Azro Willis

JIatthias Fehren was elected pres-
ident and David Palmer, cashier. Mr.
Fehren was elected president each
succeeding year until his death,
which occurred April 15. 1874. C. A.
Sonnemann acting as president until
the end of that year when Dr. Rich-
ard T. Higgins was elected president.
and has been elected to said posi-
tion each succeeding year since and
is the present incumbent. David Pal-
mer was continued as cashier up to
18S2, when he resigned and Edward
1,. Wahl was elected to fill the va-
cancy.

In 1891. the charter of this bank ex-
pired, and it was reorganized as a

state bank under the name of The
Farmer's and Merchant's Bank, un-
der the same general management.
In 1898. the bank reduced its capital
stock to $50,000, which is its present
capital. Mr. E. L. Wahl continued as
cashier until his death, which oc-
curred July 30, 1901. when F. I. Henry
was elected as such and is the pres-
ent incumbent. The following named
persons have served as directors of

this bank from its organization, viz:
Matthias Fehren, C. A. Sonnemann,
Daniel Gregory, George H. Dieck-
mann. Michael Lynch, Rev. Joseph
Gordon, L. E. Morey, Thomas B. Mur-
ray, Azro Willis. Edward L. Wahl.
Mrs. Jennie R. Higgins, William Son-
nemann, B. W. Henry, E. B. Stokes,
R. T. Higgins, Charles F. Emmel.
John U. Metzger and J. M. Price, the
last seven being the present board.

Looking east troni near the old Ohmer Hotel which was destroyed by tire in ISKIO.

The scene shows in the background the cupalos of the old State House

Building, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches.

68

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

OLD TOM HIGGINS
INDIAN FIGHTE-R

The history of Vandalia would not
be complete unless something was
said of one of its old residents.
Thomas Higgins. or. "Old Tom Ilig-
gins" the Indian fighter, as he was
called, and this can best be done by
the following extract from "The An-
nals of the West," by James H. Per-
kins, and J. M. Peck, and publishea
by James R. Albach, Chambers and
Knapp, printers, St. Louis Mo,, IS.-'O.

"He was a native of Kentucky, and
joined the rangers of Illinois at their
first organization, and continued by
?nnual enlistments until disalile''

A frontier settlement or Shoal
Creek in the present county of Bond,
had a "station." or blockhouse about
eight miles south of the present site
of Greenville. It was one of the
points of rendezvous for the rangers.

where Lieutenant Journey and eleven
men. including Higgins, were sta-
tioned on the 20th of August, 1S14.
Indian signs were discovered in the
vicinity, and at night a party was
seen prowling about the fort. Before
daylight on the 31st, Lieutenant
Journey and his comrades were on
their trail. They had not proceeded
far on the border of the prairie be-
fore they were in an ambuscade, sur-
rounded by seventy or eighty Indians,
and at the first fire the Lieutenant
and three men were killed. Six fled
to the fort, while Higgins remained
on the field, as he said "to have one
more pull at the enemy." His horse
had been shot in the neck, fell to
his knees, but rose again in a mo-
ment. Higgins thought his horse
mortally wounded, dismounted, and
resolving to avenge the loss of his
comrades, took to a tree. The fog of
the early dawn, and the smoke of the
Indian guns, which had obscured the
atmosphere, now cleared away, and
he discovered the Indians. Takin.g
deliberate aim, he fired, and the fore-

most savage fell. Concealed by the
smoke, he reloaded his gun, mounted
his wounded horse and turned to re-
treat, when a familiar voice from the
grass hailed him with "Tom you
won't leave me?" Turning around,
he saw a fellow soldier by the name
of Burgess, lying in the grass, wound-
ed and helpless. "Come along," siid
Higgins. I can't come." responded
Burgess, "my leg is smashed to
pieces." Higgins instantly dismount-
ed and in attempting to lift his friend
on the horse, the animal took fright,
ran off and left Higgins with the
w'ounded man. He directed him to
crawl on one leg and hands through
the tallest grass, while he remained
behind to protect him from the In-
dians. In this way Burgess reached
the fort. Higgins could best have fol-
lowed the same trail, but this would
endanger his comrade. He therefore,
took another direction, concealing
himself by a small thicket. As he
passed it. he discovered a stout
savage near by and two others ap-
proaching. He started for a small

CONFIR\L-MIOi\ CL.VSS, ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHUKCII, EASTER SUNDAY, 1904-.

HEADING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Top Row, Lizzie Kern, Bertha Eck, Tillie Hecchu, Rev. S. D. Myers, Rozella Stinipson, Rosa Rethorn, Arthur Slater, Josie Springer.
Lower Row, Riibj' Helbock, Amos Stone, .^nna Hausinann, Elizabeth Tate, Merle Dieckmann.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

m

ravine, but found one of his legs fail,
which, until now. he was scarcely
conscious had been wounded in the
first encounter. The large Indian
pressed him close, and Higgins.
knowing the advantage, resolved to
halt and dodge the ball. The Indian
poised his gun, and Higgins. turning
suddenly, received the ball in his
thigh. He now fell, rose a.gain. and
received the fire of the others, and
again fell severely wounded. The
Indians now threw aside their guns
and advanced on him with their
spears and knives. As he presented
his gun first at one then at the other
each fell back. At last the stout In-
dian, who had fired first, supposing
Higgins' gun empty, advanced boldly
to the charge, when Hig.gins fired,
and he fell. Higgins had now four
bullets in his body, an empty gun in
his hand, two Indians unharmed be-
fore him, and a large party but a
short distance in the ravine. Still
he did not despair. His two assail-
ants now raised the war-whoop,
rushed on him with their spears, and
a deadly conflict ensued. They gave
him numerous flesh wounds, as the
scars, which we have seen, testified.

At last one threw his tomahawk,
which struck Higgins on his cheek,
severed his ear, laid bare his skull
to the back of his head, and stretched
him On the prairie. Again the Indians
rushed on. but Hi.ggins kept them off
with his feet, and grasping one of
iliiir spears, he arose, seized his
rilk'. and dashed out the brains of his
antagonist, but broke his rifle. The
other Indian now raised the yell and
rushed on him and attempted to stab
the exhausted ranger with his knife.
Higgins still fought with his broken
rifle, then with his knife, both were
l)leeding and nearly exhausted. The
smoke had cleared away, the party of
Indians were in view, and the little
garrison at the fort could see the con-
test, but dared not sally out. There
was a woman, a Mrs. Pursley. at this
crisis urged the rangers to the res-
cue. They objected. She taunted
them with cowardice, snatched her
htisbands rifle from his hand and de-
clared that "so fine a fellow as Tom
Higgins should not be lost for warit
of help"; mounted a horse and salli(\l
forth to his rescue. The nn'u
ashamed tcj Ije outdone ijy a wiman.
followed at full .gallop, reache':! tlie

spot where Higgins had fainted and
fell before the Ind-ans came n\>, and
brought him to the fort.

For many days his life was des-
paired of. There was no surgeon.
Some of his friends cut out two lialls
from his body, but l)y careful nursing
he recovered. AnotluT liall was ex-
tracted from his thigh by his own
hands and razor, some years after.
He was a fine specimen of frontier
man, open hearted, generous and
lived and died a few years since in
Fayette county.

Thomas Hi.ggins was born in Bar-
ren county. Kentucky, in 1790 and
emigrated with his friends to this
state in 1S07. settling down near
some relatives who had come to Illi-
nois some time before. He was a
farmer durin.g the latter years of his
life and brought up a large family of
children. He died, where for many
years he had resided, near Vandalia.
in 1S29. and is buried on the farm he
owned. Nothin.g marks his resting
place. The Legislature should erect
a montiment to his memory, for had
it not been for such men as him this
country would still be in the hands
of the savages.

.\IH.\IIiHKS OF THE FIRST M. E. CHURCH CHDIK.

RF,.\DING FEOM LKFT TO RIGHT

First Row. Miss Vikc.inia F.m<.mek, .Miss M.^bel ,Sonxem.\n. C. F. E.^steru.w, Clioirmaster: Mi>!- Aiiki..am)E Brou n. Organist;

Mks. Allie Fooler, miss Irene Eshleman.
Second Row, Miss Alm.\ Whekt.kr, Miss Florence IVI.atherly, John Svkert, Mrs. Bessie E.\sterdav. Chaise Deabler,

Mrs. Celia Rummel.
Tliird Row, Louis Hacklema.n, Harkv Walters, C. L. Rum.mel. Geo. Deabler, Kov Chandler, Arthur Webb, Miss Cornelia Bingham,

70

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR.

READING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

I-irst Row. Mrs. Lillie Irel.^nd. Miss M.\uij I'uktkr.

Second Row. Miss Jessie Cr.^ui. Miss Ar.\ 4. Crouch. Rbv. I. S. Hicks. .Mrs tJi-L.i Hicks. Mrs. Millie .Mitchell.

Third Row. .MRS, Kliz.abeth Washbor.n. H. J. Remington, Miss Maud (Vright. N. H. Washburn. Mrs. Hattie Dixon.

MUCH IN A NAME

ALL Vandalians should appreciate
the great advertising feature
and compliment contained in the de-
scriptive title of its principal trunk
line railroad, the "Vandalia Line."
This popular road uses its advertis-
ing matter profusely, and wherever
it is scattered, the city of Vandalia is
widely advertised. In fact, the name
of our city is a household word all
over the United States by reason of
the advertising matter of our popu-
lar railroad. Everybody knows the
"Nickel Plate," the "Katy," the
"Clover Leaf," the "Cotton Belt," and
the many other descriptive terms of
popular railroads, chosen many times
from passing remarks or by reason of
suggestive environments, and these
titles widely advertised in literature
stamp the name indelibly upon the
public mind. We get it from \V. R.
McKeen, of Terre Haute, Ind., who

we recently had the pleasure of meet-
ing and who was one of the origina-
tors and promoters of the construc-
tion of the St. Louis, Vandalia and
Terre Haute Railroad, that its Board
of Directors and Officers realized
from the start that their railroad was
going to be a part of one of the great-
est trunk lines in the country, and
they naturally casted about for a
popular name with which to label
their popular thoroughfare. Mr. Mc-
Keen tells us that they canvassed
many words and phrases in making
their selection, and at last united in
the conclusion that the "Vandalia
Line" was the most appropriate title
of all of the names and titles can-
vassed. He said the name was se-
lected for two reasons one being that
it was one of the oldest towns in the
State, was once State Capital, and
that much glorious history gathered
about the name; the other reason
was that the rhythm or euphony of
the title commended it. The matter
was canvassed by the officers of the
road for some time, and the selec

tion which was finally made and
which so honored our city, was the
result of much thought instead of an
idle fancy. This railroad is now a
part of the Pennsylvania System, the
greatest railroad corporation in the
world, and Vandalians should appre-
ciate the fact that the name of our
city, contained in the advertising lit-
erature of this popular trunk line,
.goes to every part of the civilized
world. The name was also selected
as a compliment to the men who
lived here and who fi,gured in the
early promotion of the road. They
really organized and incorporated the
road and pushed the agitation along
until it had to be financed, when they
disappeared from the management
and directorate. We at home see the
name so often and hear it spoken so
frequently that it becomes common-
place to us, but let us bear in mind
the honor conferred upon our city by
Mr. McKeen and his co-laborers when
this popular title was selected. Very
often there is, indeed, very mnch in
a name.

SOUVENIR OF \*ANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

71

OFFICERS OF THE W. C. T. U.

Mrs. Lizzie Henninger, Mrs. Albert Dixon, Mrs. iraggie Uings, Mrs. Nellie Bar tlet.lJMrs. G. I. Deabler.
Mrs. H. N. Clark, Mrs. Catherine Liget, .Mrs. .Martha Coilins, Mrs. Nannie Hunter.

Fayette County Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

By MRS. M. C. COLLINS.

MRS. M. E. SLADE was the first
president of the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union of Fayette
Co. She was appointed to the office
by the district W. C. T. U. and sowed
good temperance seed. Mrs. M. C.
Collins was the second president, and
was appointed at District Convention
at Hillsboro, 111., in the spring of
1884. She organized the county and
held the first county convention at
Hagerstown in September. 1SS6, with
a full corps of officers, and was then
tinanimously elected president; Mrs.
Mary Lee, of Shobonier, vice presi-
dent; Mrs. Maggie Brown, of Hagers-
town, secretary; Mrs. G. W. Brown,
of Vandalia, treasurer; Jlrs. M. B.
Slade, of Vandalia. evangelistic supei-
intendent: Mrs. Martha Davidson, of
Hagerstown, Loyal Temperance (.e
gion, superintendent.

Mrs. Collins has served the co'inty
faithfully for seven years as County
rresident, and is the present Presi-
dent, with Mrs. Lizzie Henninger. of
Hagerstown. Vice Presi<!ent: Mrs.
Nd,nn!e Hunter, of Ha.?orsLOV.'n, Re-
cord..n.f. Secretary; Mrs. Mattie Da-
vis, of Shobonier, Corresponding Sec-
retary; Mrs. Venna Clark of Ramsey,

Treasurer: Mrs. Kate Liget, of Van-
dalia, Evangelistic Superintendent;
-Mrs. Josie Ray, of Hagerstown, Med-
.■il Conttsl Suiierintendent ; Mrs. M.
C. Collins of Vandalia. Mother's Meet-
ings and White Ribbon Cradle Roll
Superintendent; Flower Mission Su-
perintendent, Lizzie Henninger, of
Hagerstown; Hospital Superintend-
ent. Mrs. Susie Benson; Superintend-
ent Scientific Temperance Instruc-
tion, Mrs. iMamie Ley. There are ten
local W. C. T. U. Unions in the
county, namely, Vandalia, Shobonier,
I-Ia.gerslown, Farina. Ramsey, St.
.lames, LaClode, Brownstowu, Bing-
ham and St. Elmo. Each local Union
has local superintendent of the above
mentioned department. The County
LTnion holds an Institute in the spring
of each year and a County Conven-
tion in the fall. The County Union
and the Bingham Union are arrang-
ing to own a W. C. T. U. church
jointly. Vandalia had a W. C. T. U.
I'nion in 1S7!). with Mrs. .J. O. Henry
as President. It was suspended
shortly afterward, however, till 1880,
when it was reorganized with Mrs.
M. E. Slade President and Mrs. M.
C. Collins Secretary. The society

had a library and reading room in the
Fehren building with Miss Mattie
Smith as librarian. Several years
later the W. C. T. U. and Y. W. C.
T. LT. established headquarters in the
Blacliwell building and had a read-
ing room open Saturday afternoons
and every night in the week, with
Mrs. Kate Liget as manager. The
present officers of the local union
are: iMrs. Ida Deubler, President;
Mrs. Hattie Di.xon, Secretary and
Mrs. M. C. Collins. Tresurer. Vice
Presidents, Mrs. Maggie Diugcs.
Presbyterian; Mrs. Mary Spangler,
Methodist; Miss Tillie Ernst, Lu-
theran; Mrs. Elizabeth Washburn,
Baptist. The society meets the sec-
ond and fourth Friday of each month.
have printed programs for a years'
work with the suljject to be dis-
cussed, the names of the leaders and
the place of meeting; visit the
County Farm on Flower Mission Day.
decorate the graves of our departed
on Decoration Day. The Woman's
Christian Temperance Union stands
for the home against the saloon, a
"white life for two," and equal suff-
rage and total abstinence for all.

72

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

THH I'KIZE WINNERS IN THE BOYS' CuKN CONTEST
He'ul in X'andalia at tlu' Eayettf County l-'ariiicrs' Institute, November 11, 12 ami 13, 1902.

MOKE than three hundred I'ayttte County ho_vs, who durini; the season of 191)2 had striven to excel in corn
raising, were contestants for prizes oft'ered by the Institute. Tne prizes consisted of various agricultural
implements, ranging Ironi a hoe to a sulkey plow, various articles of wearing apjiarel, saddles, bridles, whi]3s, etc.,
manv of which were donated through the Institute by Vandaha nicrcliants. William Smith (jf Vandalia Township,
a lad of 16 years, won first prize, a cultivator donated by M. F. Houston & Son, hardware and iniplement dealers.

Following is a cumplete list of the
prize winner.s and their addresses:

William Smith, Vandalia.

Earnie Buchanan, Brownstown.

Herman Griffith, Brownstown.

Wan en Bulllngtun, Vandalia.

John King, Vandalia.

Willie Rauben, Ramsey.

Earl Baldwin, Shobonier.

liloyd Harper, St. James,

Cleve Bullington, Vandalia.

Lawrence Lape. St. Paul.

Clifford Baggetl. Brownstown.

Marvin Dively. Brownstown.

Albert Whittle, Vandalia.

Frank Vincent, Farina.

Joseph Camron. St. Elmo.

George Atwood. Vandalia.

Selby Hunter, Augsburg.

Howard Koonce, .Mulberry Grove.

Fred Gelsinger, Augsburg.

Miles Mills, Vandalia.

Tony Baggett, Brownstown.

Warren Benson, Hagerstown.

Glen Whittle. Vandalia.

RoUa Bethards, Augsburg.

Chester Gafty. Vandalia.

Roy M. Wilson, Brownstown.

Pearly Bethards, Augsburg.

Willis Turner, Brownstown.

Franz Rankin, Ramsey.

Chas. Gnffy. Vandalia.

Elmer Anderson. Bayle City.

Russell Snyder. Vandalia,

Edward Young, LaClede.

Louis Andrews. Farina.

Lonie Dively. Brownstown.

Ora Oldfiehl. Vandalia.

Waldo Donaldson, MiiUierry Grove.

Orville Lape, St. Paul.

Irvine P. Stine, St. Elmo.

Eddie Smith. Vandalia.

Loren B. Babcock, LaClede,

Chas. Bingaman. Vandalia.

Calvin Bolt, Ramsey.

Arthur Atwood. Vandalia,

J. L. Wilson, Brownstown.

Lee Hamilton. Brownstown.

Samuel JlcCormick, Brownstown.
Otto Paradee, Vandalia.
Clyde Leever, Vera,
James Dooley, Vandalia.
Chas. Evans, Vandalia.
Ellis David, LaClede,
Henry Bingaman, Vandalia.
George Thompson, Vandalia.
Willie J. Lane, Shobonier.
Fred Mills, Vandalia.
John Schmid, Shobonier.
Marlin Starncs, Vandalia.
Wilby Tirey, Vandalia.
Burl V'anzandt. Brownstown.
Wilburn Anderson, Shobonier.
William H. Eck, Shobonier.
Earl Arnold, Brownstown.
Cecil C. Crawford, St. Elmo.
Archie Buchanan, Brownstown,
James A. Smith. Brownstown.
Chas. Schatz. Farina.
Asa E. Sattertwait, Brownstown.
Walter E. Nixon. Vandalia.
Earnest David, LaClede.

SOl'\'ENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

73

FAYETTE COUXTV BOYS' CORN CONTEST EXHIBIT.

In the foreground is shown the prize pumpkin, grown by Sherman Funk of Seminary Town-
ship, weight 103 pounrls. The pumpkin contained 613 seeds, the exact numljcr being
guessed by Robert Mitchell, for which he received a handsome clock as a prize.

^

FAYETTE COUNTY FARMERS^ INSTITUTE

BY RICHARD WHITTLE.

'X'HE above cut shows a portion of the corn growing contest exhibit liy the Ijoys of Eayctle County, season of
1902, for prizes offered through the Farmers' Institute Five hundred boys received si.x ounces each of ])ure
seed corn from the Institute, and 320 samples of ten ears each were exhibited during the fall meeting of the Institute,
which was held in Fehren's Opera House at Vandalia November 11, 12 and 13, 1902 This was considered one of
the most remarkable corn exhibits ever seen in this state, frf)m the fact that it was a new departure in institute
work, the corn being grown and exhibited by boys, the majorit3- of whom were under 16 years of age. Inquiries
were received from prominent people all over the state in regard to the plan and the success of the contest. Manv
visitors from other counties were here to see it, and Will B. Otwell, State Superintendent of Agriculture for Illinois
to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, telegraphed to have the entire exhibit reserved to be placed in the Illinois
section of the Palace of Agriculture at the Exposition. This feature of the institute work has been continued with
remarkable success, and it has done much to place Fayette County on a plane with many of the more favored
counties of the state. The Institute was organized in Vandalia December 1, 1898, with officers as follows: C. E.
Cox, President, Vandalia; Richard Whittle, Secretary, Vandalia: R- T. Higgins, Treasurer, Vandalia. Executive
Committee; — J. M. Benson, S. J. Beer, Joseph Oldfield, Isaac Starnes, all of Vandalia, and Eli Foucht of Shobonier.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

THE CHURCHES

OF VANDALIA

Rtstory of the first ]VI- 6. Church
of Tandalia, III.

(BV W. M. FOGLEH.)

HISTORY of men and events is al-
ways interesting. But the history
of a church organization is doubly in-
teresting to the christian who can de-
voutly say, "I love Thy church. O.
God; her walls before me stand." It
is for the purpose of preserving the
history and making a more perma-
nent record of the beginning and
growth of the Methodist Episcopal
church in Vandalia, 111., that this
brief ecclesiastical history is writ-
ten. We are constantly in the hope
that we shall live in the memories of
men long after we have passed from
among men. Yet how soon we are
forgotten. Since this is true, It Is
important that we register some
things that "God hath wrought"
through his faithful servants, that
those who come after them may know
the toil, sacrifice, and joy, of a work
in building up such a society.

The itinerent Methodist preacher
has been a civilizing force in Illinois
from the time the first settlements
were made in the territory. They be-
gan evangelistic work in the "groves,
God's first temples" and the log cab-
ins and set the machinery of Metho-
dism in motion long before there
was a church building erected.

But few records were kept thus
making it difficult to give a consecu-
tive history of pioneer life in the
church.

Vandalia was a preaching place for
Methodist ministers since the state
was admitted in 1818. but no perma-
nent church organization was effect-

ed until July, 1831, when J. H. Ben-
son, an active young man of pleasing
address, met the people in a frame
church building located at that time
on the present site of the Presby-
terian church, lot 12 north square.
It was then used in common with
other denominations. An organiza-
tion was effected and seven mem-
bers united with the church, viz: Dr.
N. M. McCurdy, Olivia McCurdy.
Moses Phillips and Susan Phillips,
.John Delaplain. wife and daughter.
Col. Hodge, a man noted for his in-
telligence and piety, was with others
soon added to this number. Also
Martha J. Phillips, afterwards Mrs. J.
W. Ross. Later Miss Tabitha Booth
joined. She is the only known sur-
viving member of the early church.
The society continued to worship in
the building above mentioned until
1835. when there was lack of harmony
among the dilTerent denominations
here worshiping, and the Methodist
people began work for the construc-
tion of a new and larger building of
their own. Edward R. Ames, who
was afterwards one of our beloved
Bishops for more than a quarter of a
century, was servin.g Vandalia as his
first appointment, at this time. The
society, being weak financially, wor-
shipped here without the walls plas-
tered or a floor laid until 1837, when
it was completed and' dedicated. It
was a frame structure costing about
$1.2110. located on Fourth street, lot
7. block 12. in the same block and im-
mediatelv south of the First National
Bank. The growth of the church
Icent uace with that of the city and
this was their place of worship until
18fi7, when the congregation outgrew

its surroundings, and they began the
agitation looking to a new and more
commodious place of worship. This
agitation resulted in the erection of
the McCurdy M. E. church, the most
imposing structure of the kind in the
county. It was erected at a cost of
$20,000, including the parsonage, ind
ivn- dedicated in 1868, by Bishop
Simpson. In this house of worship,
the congregation grew and prosper-
ed. At its sacred altar souls were
saved, weddings were solemnized, and
""^'Idren christened, who since have
-rie ii the church and are now serv-
ins; faithfully as its officials. Very
mnny of these who were active in
helping build the sacred house are
no more. They were laid to rest
after a sad funeral service at this
altar.

"God moves in a mysterious way."
March 17, 1899, at four o'clock in the
afternoon, the city fire alarm was
given which told our people the
church was on fire. With eyes almost
blinded by tears, we saw our church
burn. There were some discouraged
Methodists. The church building was
gone, but the Master spoke saying,
"I will not leave thee nor forsake
thee."

At once it was determined to re-
build. Some subscriptions were
given while the fire raged. Ground
was broken August 5, 1899. The cor-
ner stone was laid October 22, 1899,
at three P. M. The new structure,
which was completed at a cost of
$2.5,000, was dedicated .January 20,
1901, by BishoD J. N. Fitzgerald, D.
D. L. L. D. The structure is stone
and pressed brick, Gothic in design,
finished in hard wood, furnished with
all modern conveniences, steam heat,
electric li.ghts, pipe organ, frescoed
walls, art glass windows. The entire
seating capacity thrown together, is
more than one thousand. The pres-
ent membership is 400. characterized
by unity and devotion to christian
work. Dr. Nathaniel Crow is the ef

REV. N. CROW,
Pastor Methodist Church.

REV. MONTGO.MERY MAY,
Pastor Presbyterian Church.

REV. I. S. HICKS,
Pastor of Baptist Church.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLIN'OIS.

/o

ficient pastor in charge, whose elo-
quent and Christ-like sermons, to-
gether with his vast experience as a
pastor, have given a fresh impulse
to the society. W. M. Fogler is Pres-
ident of the Board of Trustees. J. J.
Schneider. H. S. Humphrey. T. N.
Lakin. H. A. Bingaman, C. F. John-
son. D. JI. Clark, Geo. Walker, and
W. M. Farmer are the other mem-
bers of the Board. The Sunday
school was organized in 1834 under
the charge of Dr. N. M. McCurdy as
Superintendent, with less than 4i)
scholars. Geo. Brown was elected
Superintendent in 1872, and served
acceptably until 1SS8, a term of 17
years, when the present superintend-
ent. J. J. Brown, was chosen. To
these two brothers we c.we much ot
lur prosperity as a school. T.*-.ore
are now 50 officers and teachers. "-Lo
are devoted and faithful workers.
There are 450 scholars enrolled, and
the average attendance is remarkably
good. The school has a well equipped
library, with the usual requisites, in
the way of maps, illustrated leaflets
and papers.

The Epworth League, the young
people's organization of the church,
was chartered September 9. 18S9.
with 55 members. W. M. Fogler.
President, and Aurelia Leever, Secre-
tary, are the present ofBcers. The
Leag"e has prospered and done much
efficient work in building up the
church and trainin,g our young peo-
ple in loyalty to her interests. The
present membership is 200.

A Junior League was chartered
January 1. 1892. It was a successful
organization from the be.ginning for
the training of the children, and at
present has about 100 members under
the control of Miss Clara Speckman.
Superintendent, and Miss Genevieve
Cnpps. Assistant.

The Willing Workers Society, com-

THE FIRST I'RESHVTBKIAN CHURCH.
N. W. Corner 3d and Main Sts.

posed of the young ladies of the
church, was organized December 3.
1887. Its object is to aid and assist
in the various departments of church
work'. It lias assisted in many char-

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
N. W. Corner 6th and Johnson Streets.

ities in our city, and has been very
successful in raising money for dif-
ferent church enterprises. The pipe
organ in the aiulitoriuni of the
church, whose beautiful diapasons,
under the magic touch of Adelaide
Brown, organist, thrills the heart of
lovers of music Sunday after Sunday,
stands as a much appreciated monu-
ment to the zeal and efficiency of its
members. The or.gan. with its equip-
ment, cost about $2.11(1(1. The organi-
zation is at present doing successful
work, officered by Mrs. Alice E. Fog-
ler. President, and Mrs. Celia Rum-
P"'el. Secretary.

There is a p-osperins Womau's
Foreign Missio-iiri- Society in con-
nection with the church Mrs. Nellie
G. Brown, President, and Mrs. Hattie
Ritcbey. Secretary. The members
have been very s'icee=;sf"l in raising
money for missions. It is the oldest
o'-ganization in the church, except-
ing alone the Sunday School.

Thus have God's pciple built up a
nol)le and endurin.g monument here.
This record, however, would not be
comjilete did we fail to mention the
worthy workers who have wrought so
successfully for the Master. The
workmen fall, but the work goes on;
yet the workers are none the less im-
portant. The following ministers

76

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

BURNING OF THE M. E. CHURCH, MARCH 17, 1S99.

served this charge at the time men-
tioned, for one or more years, viz:
Rev. J. F. Benson, 1831; Rev. Nicho-
las Bastian, 1832; Rev. Ezeldel Blacl;-
well, 1833-34; Rev. E. R. Ames. 1833;
Rev. N. P.Cnnningham, 183(5; Rev.
John Dew, 1837; Rev. James B. Wool-
ard, 1838; Rev. Nicholas Bastian.
1839. Rev. Ezekiel Blackwell, 1840;
Rev. Simeon Walker. 1841; Rev.
Jesse Haile, 1842; Rev. Jerry Estip,
1843 Rev. J. M. Massey. 1844; Rev.
Polomon McCall, 1845; Rev. B. Shonk.
1846; Rev. James Montgomery. 1847;
Rev. B. Randle. 1848; Rev. J. B. Moor,
1849; Rev. T. A. Eaton. 1850; Rev.
John W. Caldwell. 18.51-.54; Rev. J.
Earp. 1854-55; Rev. I. W. Toms, 1S55-
57; Rev. Geo. W. Jenks, 1857-58; Rev.
J. W. Lowe, 1858-59; Rev. C. M. Hol-
liday. 1859-61; Rev. Hugh Carrington,
1861-63; Rev. B. Babbit, 1863-64; Rev.
J. W. Phillips. 1864-66; Rev. Hiram
Sears, 1866-69; Rev. Joseph Earp.
1869-72; Rev. Joseph Harris,

1872-75; Rev. T. H. Herdman. 1875-
78; Rev. O. H. Clark. 1878-80; Rev.
P. M. VanTreese. 1880-83; Rev. J. B.
Thompson. 1883-86; Rev. Joseph Earp.
1886-91; Rev. B. R. Pierce. 1891-93;
Rev. C. B. Besse. 1893-95; Rev. R. D.
Woodley, 189.5-97; Rev. J. G. Tucker.
1897-1901, Rev. J. H. Ford, l'.)ni-]903;
Rev. Nathanif' Crow, 1903.

All of these u;'»n of God have bfen
faithful to the trust committed li
them, and a debt of .gratitude is due
them for our W(>nderful growth, and
prosperous condition.

But, what shall we say for Method-
ism in general? We need not boast
of it. It speaks its 0\vn eulogy. We
need not praise the sim in the meri-
dian. Our church came into exist-
ence more than a century ago. and
has been a moral and religious force
gathering momentum, as a civilizing
power, ever since. She has grown
in the midst of the battle of the
giants, science and education, materi-
alism atiil iibylosophy, higher criti-

cism and agnosticism. Today her
bark rides the ocean as proudly and
as safely as the ship on Galilee in
which the Master was sleeping. We
need have no fears for her future.
She is a part of the great religion of
God and humanity. She will live, her
millions will multiply; God is in the
midst of her, and he will uphold her
with his strong arm of righteousness.
We close with the question, asked at
the opening. "What hath God
wrought?" and answer by pointing to
the stars and say, like these in num-
ber and glory to shine forever, have
been her converts and her deeds and
her triumphs, and these are but a
single ray of light in the dawning,
compared to the full-orbed glory of
the sun which tips the mountains
with the coming flood of day.

t^be Presbyterian Cburcb.

THE First Presbyterian Church of
Vandalia was organized July
5th, 1828. by Rev. Solomon P. Hardy,
a missionary sent out by the Ameri-
can Home Missionary Society. The
church consisted of the following
members, viz: Jeremiah Abbott,
Betsy Abbott, his wife, Mrs. Ruth
Russell. Mrs. Amy Davidson, Martha
Gorin. Samuel Russell and Ruth Rus-
sell. Mr. Abbott was chosen and set
apart by ordination to the office of
Ruling Elder. Mr. Thomas A. Spill-
man, who had for some time been
serving the church as stated supply,
closed his labors on the 13th day of
December. 1829. During his labors,
after the organization of the church,
there were tour additions on profes-
sion of faith, viz: Mrs. Harriett
Brown, James Hall and Mary P. Hall,
his wife, and Miss Augusta Ernst.

Rev. Theron Baldwin took charge
of the church in the spring of 1830.
During his administration there were
ten additions to the membership, viz:
Mrs. Nancy Berry, Mr. and Mrs.
Wash, Mrs. Stolle. Mrs. Linn. Mrs.
Moore, Mrs. Samuel Russell, Mrs.
Snyder and Mrs. P. G. Eccles.

In April 1831, Rev. Wm. K. Stewart
took charge as stated supply, and at
a meeting of the church and congre-
gation held in March. 1832, was elect-
ed pastor, and was regularly installed
in May by Revs. Thomas Lippincott
and Messenger. During Rev.

Stewart's pastorate, there were thirty-
two additions to the membership, Ave
deaths, and nine dismissed by letter,
and three Elders elected and or-
dained. April 3. 1836, Rev. Stewart
resigned the pastoral relations exist-
ing between him and the church.
Among the members who joined dur-
ing Rev. Stewart's pastorate were.
Henry C. Remain. John D. Gorin. aid

THE OLD METHODIST CHURCH
;?eforc it was burned on March 17, 1899.

SOUYEXIR OF V.W'DAl.TA. ILLINOIS.

Joseph T. Bccles. and Robert Gouciy.
William H. Brown, Angeline G. Blacl;-
well, Mrs. Elizabeth Hickman and
Mrs. Mary Ann Ernst.

From the time of the resignation of
Rev. Stewart until about October 1.
li.44. the church had no stated supply
or pastor.

About this time Rev. D. D. McKee
came to reside at Vandalia and sup-
pi. ed about three-fourths of his time.
During the interval Rev. N. H. Hall.
of Lexington, Kentucky, held pro-
tracted meetings and nineteen addi-
tional members were added. During
the administration of Rev. McKee,
six members were added and two dis-
missed. There is no record of the
time Rev. McKee continued to sup-
ply the church.

December 8th, 1848, Rev. Joseph
Gordon found this church destitute
of pastor or stated supply and almost
disorganized by deaths and removals
and in view of the fact that the Kas-
kaskia Presbytery, under whose care
the church was, could not supply the
church with preaching, he at the
unanimous request of the remaining
members proceeded to reorganize
the church. To carry out this object
the following resolutions were
passed:

"Resolved, That it is expedient for
this church to take measures to trans-
fer its ecclesiastical relations from
the Kaskaskia to the Alton Presby-
tery. ' ,i|

Resolved, That this church send its
delegate to the next meeting of the
Alton Presbytery, which is to take
place at Belleville, the second Tues-
day in April at 7:30 o'clock P. M.
with a request that this, the First
Presbyterian Church at Vandalia, be
received under its care.

Resolved, That a minute of this

"m

FIKST M. E. CHURCH OF \A.\I)ALi.\.

transaction be sent to the Kaskaskia
Presbytery by the hand of the Rev.
James Stafford, rejuesting their con-
currence in the act of the church,
hoping at the same lime that the
transfer may not have the effect to
destroy that Christian confidence and
charity that has so long existed be-
tween the Presbytery and this church.

Resolved, That we hereby invite
the Rev. Joseph Gordon, a missionary
of the Alton Presbytery to labor so
much of his time statedly in this
church as may be consistent with his
other engagements.

Resolved, That the members of
this church sign their names to this
paper.

Signed by .\my Davidson, JIargaret

INTERIOR OF METHODIST CHURCH.

Grant, Sophia Casten, Angelina
Blackwell, Julia Remann, Frederick
Remann, Sr., Augustin B. West, Al-
fred Matthews Ann aicCloy, Effie Mc-
Ph_,l, barah McPhail.

t redericK iitiuann was duly elect-
ed and properly set apart to the of-
fice of Ruling Elder. Frederick Re-
mann, Wm M. Black, James W.
Berry, Robert Blackwell, and Alfred
Matthews were elected trustees.

Rev. Joseph Gordon preached to the
church as stated supply eight years.
A part of the time once in four weeks,
a part of the time once in two weeks.
The last two years he preached all
the time. During his administration
there were eighty additions to the
church.

Rev. Wm. H. Bird succeeded Rev.
Gordon as pastor in June, 1S56, three
years. There were nine additions to
the membership during his adminis-
tration.

Rev. M. P. Ormsby followed Rev.
Bird and jireached only a few months.

Rev. G. W. Goodale next took
charge of the church, December 4.
1S59. At this point the church be-
came self-sustaining. Previous to
this time the church had been receiv-
ing aid from the Home Missionary
Society. Rev. Gooodale preached
nearly two years when he resigned
to take charge of the Carbondale Col-
lege. There were eight additions to
the membership d'tring Rev. Goodale's
Iiastorate.

Rev. E. G. Bryant took charge .\ug-
iist 1, 1801, and remaiiied until Feb-
ruary 1, 1S62.

Rev. .r. Giljson tnni- charge March
1. 1S(;2, and remained in charge until
April 1st, 1863.

Rev. Caleb J. Pitkin next took
I'liarge September 1st, 1863, and re-
mained in charge two years.

Rev. R. L. Matthews next took
charge October 15th, 1865, and re-
mained in charge until June 16th.

78

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

1867. During Rev. Matthews' admin-
istration a new house of worship was
erected at a cost of about $14,000.

The first service was held in the
Ijasement of the new church on the
last Sabbath in December, 1866. and
the new church was dedicated Sep-
tember 1st, 1867. On October loth,
1867, Rev W. W. Wells was called
for one year, closing his labors Octo-
ber 5th, 1868.

Rev. J. M. Johnson, of Hanover,
New Jersey, next took charge on De-
cember 20th, 1868, and leniained in
charge four years.

Rev. John Stuart ne.\t took charge
in January, 1ST,', and remained in
charge until May 28th, 187i'.. April
16th, 1873, William Reed, Kr. nnd Ed-
ward L. Wahl were eleceted Elders.

Rev. Hugh Wallace Todd next took
charge and preached his lii'st sermon
in this church as pastor A igist 22nd.
1S76. Rev. Todd I'emaincd in charge
until March 1st, 1897, when he re-
signed his charge, having been pas-
tor over twenty years, the longest
period of any other pastor.

Rev. Henry A. Grubb, of Pittsburg,
Pa., next took charge January 3. 1898,
and remained in charge one year
when he resigned his charge.

On March 1st, 1899, a call was
given Rev. James H. Hawk for one
year. He remained in charge until
November 26th. 1899, when he re-
signed.

Rev. Montgomery May. the present
pastor, was called and entered upon
liis labors May 1st, 1900.

The church now has a large mem-
bership, and is in a flourishing con-
dition.

AloTHBk OF SORROWS CATHOLIC CHURCH
AND PARSONAGE.

Catholic Church.

( Bv Rev. Fathek J. P. .M.^rhnev )

THE first mass in Vandalia, 111.,
was celebrated by Rev. Geo. A.
Hamilton, of Springfield, 111., the
ceremony taking place at the court
house on the 11th day of May, 1845.
People of every denomination were
desirous of seeing the services and
baptisms performed, consequently,
the building was crowded to excess,
not one-half of the large concourse

4

^i"lli

"^'■-

ST. JAMES EVAN(;ELICAI. LUTHERAN CHURCH.

of people being able to gain admis
sion.

Catholics eagerly seized the oppor-
tunity afforded them of offering up
their prayers before the altar of the
Most High. Fifty-five persons re-
ceived the Sacrament of Baptism on
that day. Mr. Michael Lynch, of Van-
dalia, was instrumental in securing
this large assemblage by notifying all
the Catholics in the county that
Father Hamilton, wh(5m he liad in-
fluenced to attend, would be there to
celebrate on that day. The early
settlers of Fayette county were
forced to go by wagon or stage to St.
Louis, Mo., to receive the Sacraments
and to have their children baptised.
At different times services were held
in the residence of Mr. Michael
Lynch.

The first church was erected in the
year 1855, through the energetic ef-
forts of Rev. Father Cusack, he be-
ing the first resident priest. In or-
der to carry out his praiseworthy ob-
ject, he rode all over the county, on
an old white mule, taking up sub-
scriptions. His parish extended from
Decatur on the north to Cairo on the
south, and from Highland on the
west to Terre Haute, Ind.. on the
east. The older parishioners of
Mother of Dolors' love to speak of
the many great privations endured
by Rev. Father Cusack in the cause
of religion in this section of the
country. Like the immortal Paul,
his journeys were many and filled
with .great danger.

The followin.g priests attended to
the spiritual wants of the Vandalia
congregation up to the year 1898:
Revs. T. Cusack, May 9th. 1859, to
April 12th, 1S63; J. Vahey. April 12th,
1863, to December 13th, 1866;
Thomas Walsh, December 13th, 1866,
t3 June 3rd, 1868; J. Wiessel, C. S.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

79

REV. FATHER M.\RONEY.
Pastor of Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

REV. M. L. WAGNER,

Pastor of Lutheran Church in Vanda-

lia, 1895 to 1903.

S. R. 1864, to 1867; M. Weis, May
17th, 1868 to 1870; Martins, O. F. M;
J. Stoemler, D. D. December 11th,
1870 to 1872; F. Stick, July 21st.
1872 to October 26th, 1872; F. Schrei-
ber, October 26th, 1872 to January
12th, 1873; J. Rensmann, January
12th, 1873 to September 20th, 1874;
F. Enzleberger, 1875 to 1877; L. Quit-
ter, 1877 to 1881; C. Geier. 1881 to
1885; H. Becker, D. D., 1885 to 1888;
P. M. Bourke, 1888 to 1894; C. Carr,
1894 to 1895, and B. Lee, 1895 to
1898.

In the year 1895 the congregation
began to notice that the rude hand
of time was destroying their prop-
erty and that it was no longer a fit
place for divine service. The erec-
tion of a new building was therefore
contemplated, and after two years of
prosperity and time spent in procur-
ing funds, the erection of the pres-
ent church began. Success unbound-
ed crowned the efforts of the congre-
gation and their pastor. Rev. B. Lee,
and on May 21, 1898, the church was
dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan,
of Alton.

On the first of June, 1898. Rev. B.
Lee left Vandalia to take charge of
St. Mary's church, Paris, 111. He
was succeeded liy Rev. J. P. Maroney,
who has ably and successfully con-
tinued and perfected the work that
was left on hand. It is not boasting
to say that the Vandalia congregation
has one of the handsomest and neat
est churches, and one of the most
substantial residences in southern
Illinois.

(Father Maroney, the present priest
is a courteous and affable gentleman,
and well liked by his parishioners and
the public in general.) — Eds.

Lutheran Church of Tandalta.

ABOUT the year 1840, a number of
German families from Germany.
Pennsylvania, Ohio and N. Carolina,
had settled in Vandalia and vicinity,
who among themselves began to ex-
ercise their duty as Christians, to
have the gospel preached among
them in accordance with the doc-
trines and usages of the Lutheran
Church, as they had been accustomed
to, and as Rev. Daniel Scherrer. in
passing from his home at Mt. Carmel.
111., to Hillsboro. preached occasion-
ally for them. We find upon the old
church record an account of the first
organization which is as follows:

"By the request of several mem-
bers of the Evang. Lutheran church.
Rev. Daniel Scherrer visited Vanda-
lia and vicinity on the 23rd day of
June, 1£44, and held service. After
the sermon, it was moved that all
persons who desire that the gospel
shall be proclaimed, and the sacra-
ments administered among us as we
have been accustomed to in the
church of our Fathers, and as it is
the duty of Christians, will come for-
ward and give their names. Upon
this following names were handed
in: Conrad Dieckmann. Jacob Son-
nemann and wife, Christian Sonne-
mann, A. H. Dieckmann, Michael
Steinhauer and wife, G. H. Dieck-
mann, Lewis Hausemann. Philip
Kunz and wife, William Rode. Fred-
erick Gereke and wife. Frederick
Kl'ig, and Jacob Mattell.

Upon this, it was resolved that we

REV. J. G. TUCKER.
First Pastor of the New M. E. Church.

proceed to further organize a congre-
gation and the following persons
were elected as officers: Conrad
Dieckmann, Jacob Mattell, Elders;
William Rode, Jacob Sonnemann,
Deacons; and on the 14th day of July
were duly installed.

There was at that time a non-de-
nominational Sunday school in oper-
ation in the Presbyterian church,
where the Lutheran congregation
worshipped.

The newly organized congregation

kRV. s. n. .\ivi-;ks.

Present Pastor of St. James Kvanyclical Lutheran Chiircli

Snr\T.\TR OF VANDALTA. Tl.I.lXniS.

ftl

GORTON D. JERAULD,

A retired merchant, nnw a capilalisl

and large real estate owner.

THOS. J. STOUT.

An Old Citizen of \ andalia and tl;e

oldest telegrapli operator in poii-,i

of service on the Union PacTio

road. He now resides at Tonga-

noxie, Kansas.

HECTOR S. HUMPHREY.
Founder and Ex-Editor of the Vanda-
lia Union. Ex-Postmaster and prom-
inent Citizen.

was called the St. James' Evangeli-
cal Lutheran Church, which the fol-
lowing persons have served in turn:
Rev. D. Scherrer, 1844; Rev. Jacob
Scherrer, 1S4S; Rev. Geo. Wolf, lSo2;
Rev. Wm. Hunderdasser, 1853.

During the ministrations of Rev.
Hunderdasser, in the year of 1854,
the first Evangelical Lutheran church
was built. It was built on the west
end of lot No. Five in Block No.
Thirty-five on Main street. Upon the
building of the Vandalia railroad
through Jlain street its usefulness as
a place of worship was destroyed and
it was finally sold and abandoned as
a church.

The successors of Rev. Hunderdas-
ser are: Rev. D. D. Swaney, 1856;
Rev. J. Boetticher, 1857; Rev. G. H.
Schnurr, 1863.

The congregation from its origin
had been English and German until
1865, when April 1st, a purely Eng-
lish organization was effected, with
the following members; A, H. Dieck-
mann and wife, G. H. Dieckmann and
wife, Luther Easterday, Amanda Ri-
zar, Mrs. M. J, Harkey. The English
organization retained the original
name, St. James, for its congregation,
which had for its first officers the fol-
lowing: A. H Dieckmann, Elder,
Luther Easterday. Deacon. Three
trustees were then elected, consist-
ing of Geo. H. Dieckmann. Charles
G. Smith and Melancthon Easterday.
The English congregation worshipped
for two years in the church edifice
belonging to the Christian organiza-
tion, when in the spring of 1869, the
zealous little band resolved to have
a house of worship of their own and
immediately went to work to con-
struct a b'lilding. On the 27th day
of May, 1S69, the corner stone was
laid, and on October 19th, the same

year, a well furnished and beautiful
edifice costing $8,000, was dedicated
to the service of God, being free
from debt. The dedication services
were conducted by the pastor, Rev.
John Rugan, assisted by Rev. C. W.

Schaeffer. D. D.. and Rev. Prof. S. L.
Harkey. D. D. The congregation also
owns a neat and comfortable resi-
dence iiro])ei-ty, which is located a
short distance from the church and
is used exclusively for a parsonage.

CHILDKEX OF MR. AX1> MRS. GEO. A. A. DIECKMANN.

Amelia Elsa, aged ij. Adolpti Louis, aged 5. Herbert Egmont, aged 3. Wilhelm, aged 11.

82

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

CHAS. F. EilMEL,
A prominent citizen and capitalist.

WILLIAM REED, ,J i .

Prominent and widely Ivnown railroad
man, now Sup't. of Bridges and
Buildings of tlie Omaha Division
of the Illinois Central Railroad.

FRED EMMEL,
Capitalist and real estate dealer.

for which they paid two thousand
dollars.

Up to January, 1S7S, the small con-
gregation of nine members in ISfio,
had under the ministrations of Revs.
S. L. Harkey, M. M. Grove, J. Rugan,
J. L. Smith. J. H. Hunton, and N. Aid-
rich, increased its membership lo
sixty-two, nearly seven times its ori-
ginal number.

On the first of .January, 1S7S, Rev.
J. G. M. Hivsch a-sumed his labors as
pastor and remained in charge three
years.

June 1st, ISSL Rev. J, W. Albrecht

began his labors as pastor and re-
mained one year.

August 2ilth, 1SS2, Rev. R. E. Mc-
Daniel began his labors as pastor
and remained in charge six years.

Rev. F. C. C. Koehler began his la-
bors in the church November 4th,
1SS8, and remained in charge about
five years. On the 2Sth of July, 1893,
the beautiful church was struck by
lightning and totally destroyed, leav-
ing the congregation without a place
of worship, but nothing daunted, the
.gallant members at once set to work
to rebuild.

December 1st, 1893. Rev. J. G. M.
Hirsch was recalled as pastor and re
mained in charge about one year.

On December 1st, 1895, Rev. M. L.
Wagner began his labors as pastor
and remained in charge a little over
seven years. It was during Rev.
Wagner's ministration that the new
or present church edifice was erected,
the corner stone for the new church
was laid April 2Sth, 1895, and on
May 24th, 189G, it was dedicated by
Rev. Charles Koemer, of Chicago,
111.

The Rev. S. D. Myers, the present
pastor began his labors in the church
January 1st, 1904,

The Sunday school in connection
with the church is one of the most
progressive in the city. The attend-
,ince has averaged 90 during the win-
ter months. Its present officers are:
Lulher Easterday, Superintendent;
W. J. Ritter, Secretary; Elmer Schil-
ling. Assistant Secretary; Herman
Springer, Librarian.

The present officers of the ch'irch
Council are: Rev. S. D. Myers.
Chairman; G. A. A. Dieckmann, Sec-
retary and Treasurer; Henry A.
Stone, Luther Easterday. L. C.
Pchulfz, W. F. Smith, M. F. Houston.

FUNERAL rkOCESSIoN (IF HON. FRED KEMANN, JULY 14, 1895,

Some Early Recollections of the Lutheran
Church in Vandalia.

(m" NK\". M. I.. WACM' K.")

Lullierans were Quite numerous
amon.g the early settlers in the vicin-
ity of Vandalia. They came from the
states east, Indiana, Ohio and Penn-
sylvania, and the Fatherland. They
were mostly Germans, although some
among them were English speaking.
The first Lutheran service held in
Vandalia was by Rev. Prof. Haver-

SOU\TATTR OF \'ANDALIA, TIJJKOIS.

83

CAPTAIN ANDREW RAY.

A veLeran ol ilie Civil War, pruuii-

nent in Grand Army Circles.

A. ir WING. Deceased,
/eteran Odd I-elluw and County Sur-
veyor.

BP:N.JAM1N CAPPS. Deceased.

An t>lil time prominent merchant and

for many years city clerk.

stick, who was sent as a missionarf
by the Pennsylvania Synod to lauo.
among the scattered members of the
Ltitheran church in Illinois and Mis-
souri. Prof. Haverstick visited Van-
dalia in the year ISSG, and held sev-
eral services. The dates of these
services are not known. He was in
the state two years, and proljably
preached repeatedly in V'andalia.
On the 23rd day of June. Ii544, Rev.
Daniel Scherer. residing at Hillsboro,
111., visited Vandalia and held a Lu-
theran service in the old Presbyter-
ian church, better known as the First
Church, or "The Old House of Di-
vine W(n-ship," which still stands, a
ijlock east of the Illinois Central and
Vandalia depot on the north side of
the Vandalia railroad track, direct-
ly west of Henry Smohl's residence.
At that time the building stood on
the site of the present Presbyterian
church. There was a very large at-
tendance, and after the services a
con.gregation was organized with
forty-one charter members. The offi-
cers elected were: Conrad Dieck-
mann, Jacol) Martell, Jacob Sonne-
mann and Win. Rode. Among the
charter members were the Sonne-
mann's. Jacob and Christian. Ludwig.
Hausmann, Conrad Dieckmann. the
Schwarms, Willms. Schertz and
others whose names cann<jt now be
recalled.

{The Old House of Divine Worship
mentioned in the foregoing article,
was purchased of the Presbyterian
congre.gation in 1S67 by Rev. J. O.
Henry and B. W. Henry, and re-
moved to the site where it now
stands. It was used as a church
house by the Christian congregation
till 1887, after which it was again
sold and converted into residence
property. Eds.)

first Baptist Church.

(BV KEV. I. S. HICKS.)

PERHAPS there is no church in
Vandalia that has a more unique
history or is more worthy of men-
tion for its work's sake than the
I<"'irst Baptist Church.

It was organized in 1S94, by Rev.
W. B. Lile, with six members, and
no house of worship, so they for
quite a while held their preaching
services in the court house, and in
the old National Bank Hall, and their
mid-week prayer meetings were held
in private houses until their present
church edifice was far enough com-
pleted to be at all fit for use.

Rev. George F. Hilton was the first

pastor settled on the field, and by his
own efforts and the assistance of
Rev. B. F. Rodman, Missionary of
the Baptist General Association of
Illinois, he greatly built up the
church in numbers and spiritual pow-
er, and was rapidly pushing the
church building to completion when
his health failed and in hope of re-
gaining the same, he resigned his
pastorate and went to California, but
all to no avail. After a few months,
death relieved his suffering and he
passed on to his reward.

Rev. J. B. Webb was the second
pastor on the field, and under his
pastorate the church house was com-
pleted and dedicated.

Rev. I. S. Hicks, the present in-

KESIDENCE OF BEX REX WINKLE OX E. GALLATLN ST.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

CHARLES L. DINGES. Sr..
The oldest painter and barber in tlie
city, and a higlily respected citizen.

JOHN tJ. METZGER.
Prominent merchant and capitalist.
Served thirteen terms as member
of the board of supervisors of Fay-
ette county, was once president of
the board.

A, W. PFEIFER,
One of Vaudalia's Leading Grocery-
men.

cumbent, is the third pastor the
church has had with them, and under
his leadership they have been greatly
strengthened both in number and
spirituality.

This church has the peculiar dis-
tinction of receiving into its mem-
bership and holding till death the
late John Walker, who was the son
of a Revolutionary soldier, and was
converted and baptised at the ad-
vanced age of seventy-five years, and
lived a consistent Christian life, and
by his liberal donations of money
made it possible for the church to
possess the property it now owns.

Thus this church has grown from a

little body of six members to a pres'
ent membership of one hundred and
seven, and from the possession of no
property at all to the possession of
the present property, valued at $8000.
All of this has been accomplished
by indomitable energy and sacrifice
on the part of the church, and by the
liberal benefactions of friends on the
outside, for which the church ac-
knowledges its obligation, and ex-
tends its most grateful thanks. This
church now takes a prominent place
in the religious life of Vandalia, and
is looking forward to greater success
in the future than it has had in the
past.

"Capt. Sa^m Houston"
The EaLgle.

By Major E,. P. Clayton.

RliSIDEXCIi OF GEO. A. KURTZ.
Ill |)roces.s of construction on S. E. Corner 3cl and Madison Sts.

"Capt. Sam Houston," the eagle
whose picture appears in the cut ac-
companying this sketch, was given
the name he bore by the members of
Company I, Illinois National Guard,
in honor of their captain, Samuel
Houston. The bird was a fine speci-
men of what is known as the golden
eagle, and measured about six feet
from tip to tip of its wings. He was
captured about four miles south of
Vandalia by Mr. Frank Williams, in
April, 189S. The bird afterwards be-
came the property of Martin F. Hous-
ton, of Vandalia, w^ho at the breaking
out of the Spanish-American war pre-
sented it to Company I, Fourth In-
fantry, Illinois National Guard, who
kept the eagle with them during their
entire stay in the service. Becoming
greatly attached to the old bird, the
members of the Company took him
with them wherever they went. At
first it was necessary to keep him in
a ca.gc, but he soon became very tame
FO that the boys could handle him at
will. But for fear that he might
stray away, a leather band was
placed around one leg, to which a
long chain was attnched. After a
month of this usage he was allowed
his entire freedom, but he had by
this time became so attached to the
members of the Company that he
never left them, except for short trips
about the grounds always returning
to his perch, which the boys provided
for him as soon as camp was made.

SOUVENIR OF VANDAI.IA, ILLIXOIS.

85

ALBERT FRIER.

A well known German citizen and for

over thirty years a leading barber.

HON. E. M. ASHCRAFT,

E.\-State's Attorney, now a prominent

Chicago Attorney.

HON. E. B. SPURGEON,

States Attorney and one of Vanda-
lia's leading lawyers.

The only time it was necessary to
confine him to his cage was whe i
moving on the train or ship. The
bird seemed to have a fondness for
the American flag, and never object-
ed to being placed between the stars
and stripes and the Regimental flag
to have his picture taken, which was
very often done. He would frequent-
ly go On his own accord and perch
himself up alongside the flags and set
there for hours at a time. He was
a source of much amusement for the
boys. On one occasion while the
Company was camped in one of the
narks in the city of Savrinah. Ga., a
dog came along and be.can gnawing
at some bones which "Capt, Sam"
had been picking and dropped on the
ground under his perch. He watched
the dog for some time, and finally
when the do,g was directly under him.
"Capt. Sam" flew down on his back
and then there was a "hot tinie in the
old town" for a minute. When the
canine found where he was "at" he
made a bee line for hom" hittin.g
only the high places in tb" street,
with the eagle on his ba"'-. After
riding about a block "Cant. Snm" dis-
mounted and came leisnreh- "trolling
back to camp bearing the pro'id look
of victory. That dog ne"pr again
showed up in camp. At another time,
in Augusta. Ga., a negro vng sellin.g
spring chickens in camp. Tbe "coon"
laid his chickens down and became
interested in watching a frame of
craps that was going on. Presently
an awful squalling was heard, and on
looking around, to everybody's aston-
ishment was seen "Capt. Sam" walk-
ing away with a bunch of chidcons
in each claw. The negro started
after the chickens, but the eagle
bristled up and showed fight, and 'he

man of color decided to pass them up.
The boys paid the negro for his >irL ;
and "Capt. Sam" was allowed to Keep
his game. This eagle was in the ser-
vice thirteen months and was never

on the sick report. Civil life, how-
ever, seemed not to a.gree with the
bird, as he sickened and died about
three months after the Company was
mustered out.

y;:^?fe^^-:-..:? ■ :^;.^.>c^?^?

READING KKO.M LP;FT TO KIGHT:

2n(l Lieutenant Dick Stout, Captain Sam Houston,
''Capt. Sam" the Eagle, Lieut. E. P. Clayton.

86

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

■■LTNCLE FRANK" BINION.
The veteran hotel keeper, known by
every traveling salesman who trav-
els in Southern Illinois.

E. P. CLAYTON,

JIajor Fourth Infantry Illinois Nat-
ional Guard.

COL. .1. B. WASHBURN.
Sergeant in 1SS4, Captain 1886-1S9J,
Lieutenant Colonel 1S92. Colonel
1898 Fourth Regt. Infantry I. N. G.

A CENTENARIAN.

THE following is an account of the
lOlith birthday anniversary of
"Uncle Frank" Binion which occurred
at his home at Veraon. 111.. August 9,
1900, and which was reported by Mr.
L. S. Matherly especially for the St.
Louis Globe Democrat :

Vandalia, 111., August 10. — Yester-
day in the quiet little village of Ver-
non, ten miles south of here, on the
Illinois Central Railroad occurred the
celebration of the 100th anniversary
of the birth of Mr. Francis Binion,
familiarly known all over this sec-
tion as "Uncle Frank." Great prepa-
rations had been made, and there
were present hundreds of the good
old man's friends from far and near,
some coming a distance of over 100
miles. Uncle Frank has conducted
a tavern in Vernon for many years,
and every traveling man who sells
goods through Southern Illinois has
at some time or other stopped at
Uncle Frank's tavern. These knights
of the road did not forget the old
man, either, for many .gathered there
yesterday to participate in the cele-
bration, some coming long distances,
and leaving their work in order to be
with Uncle Frank on his 100th birth-
day anniversary. He called all the
traveling men his boys. Long tables
were spread, which groaned with the
good thinsrs brought in by Unclp
Frank's friends from the country
every family bringing its quota of
provisions for the his feast. On the
west side of the house, in a shady
grove were arranged seats for the
several hundreds of people present,
and from a huge rostrum, construct-
ed of heavy oak boards, a regular
programme was rendered, consisting
of addresses, recitations, music, etc.

Uncle Frank was made the recipi-
ent of several handsome presents,
among which were a gold medal bear-
ing the inscription, "Presented to
Francis Binion by his friends on his
liHith birthday anniversary," a sofa
presented by his children and grand-
children, and a gold oak frame Morris
chair, the gift of Hon. W. A. Roden-
berg. who is a great friend and ad-
mirer of Uncle Frank. There were
present some thirty-odd old settler
acquaintances of this good old man
residing in this section of Illinois,
their ages ranging from 7.5 to 87
years, all of whom appeared upon the

rostrum beside their host. All told
short and highly interesting stories
of the early days, and Uncle Frank
closed with a brief sketch, in which
he related some of his characteristic
anecdotes and early day experiences.
He stood erect and unattended, his
every utterance being distinct and
clear, so that every one in the audi-
ence could plainly hear him. Among
the most prominent and widely
known old gentlemen present were:
Frank Lee. Jesse Ballard. Rev. Ben-
jamin Mahon and Milton Jackson.

Several of these gi'izzly pioneers,
as they said good-by to their old-time

"W.WERLV I-AKM "
The country residence of Geo. F. Houston, two and one-half miles west
of Vandalia. This farm was settled by Mr. Houston's grand-
father, Augustus Snyder, in 1S40 and the lifth genera-
tion of the familv is now on the home.stead.

SOnVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

W. F. SMITH,

Ex-Alderman and proprietor of the

Vandalia Bottling Works.

F. T. DENNY.
General salesman for Ferguson & Mc-
Kinney Dry Goods Co.. of St. Louis.

BERT EVANS.
Member of the hardware and imple-
ment firm of Jas. S. Evans & Sons.

friend, gave way to Lheir feelings,
embrac-'l each other and v/oin like
children. The scene was most af-
fecting, aad cne never lo ne for.^ot-
ten by those who witnessed it. A.'lcr
the close of the exercises. Uncle
Frank '.vpressed a desire to shake
hands with every one on Un grounds,
and while it was feared thai, Le would
not be able to withstand ihe ordeal,
he insisted and stood up and g-asped
heartily the hand of every man, wo-
man and many of the children of the
vast crowd present, and at the end
said he felt no fatigue. Un'^le Frank
Binion was born in Bedford county,
Va., August 9, ISOri. He came to Ma-
rion county. 111. in 1S42, and he re-
sided in and near Vernon ever since.
His wife died in 18-58. He never re-
married. Nine children were born
to them, the eldest a son, having been
killed in the late civil war. He has
twenty-three grandchildren and thir-
ty-three great-grandchildren. He has
been a life-long democrat, having cast
his first vote for Andrew .Jackson. He
is an admirer of William J. Bryan,
having known him and his father,
.Judge Bryan, many years, and says
if he lives he will vote for him next
November. He is an ardent Metho-
dist, having been " member of that
organization since 1861. T^oth of his
grandfathers fought in the Revolu-
tionary war, his father in the war of
1812, three sons in the late civil w^r
and four grandsons enlisted and
served in the Spanish-American war.
His father lived to be 104 and his
grandfather 110 years of age. the lat-
ter meeting death by accident. Wit*^
the assistance of his youngest daugh-
ter. Miss Nancy, who is .53 years old.
Uncle Frank still conducts his little
hotel in Vernon. He raises all the
vegetables he uses on his table, milks
the cows, and attends personally to

all the chores. For years he has at-
tended the old settlers' reunions in
his county, and has always been
awarded the prize for the oldest and
most active person on the grounds.
He has always been regular in his
habits, never used tobacco, and very
little liquor. Although a carpenter by
trade, he has followed farming most
of his life. While he followed the
carpenter trade, he made most of the
coffins in which now lie many of the
pioneer settlers of his county, and
the labor and often the material was
given by him .gratis. For the past
two years it has been his ardent wish

to live to be 100 years old, and as the
time grew nearer, he became more
anxious, and several times, it is said,
he expressed a fear lest he would pass
away before that time. Asked if he
wished to live several years longer,
he said with a tear in his eye, "God in
his wisdom has seen fit to spare me,
and my wish has been realized; to-
day. I am 1(10 years old, I am now
ready for the Master's call."

("Uncle Frank" is still alive and as
agile as most men at fifty, and bids
fair to live several years more. He
has ,iust recently passed the 104th
mile stone in the race of life.)

KESIDHXCE OF JUDGE J. H. WEBB.
East'Madison Street.

88

SOL'VKXIR OF VAXDALIA. ILLINOIS.

HORATIO NELSON SPAULDiNG
A p-ominent architect who was for
25 years Superintendent of Bridge
Construction on the Vandalia Line.

GEO. L DEABLER,
Master Mechanic, employed by the
Ford Manufacturing Co. paper mill
and roofing plant.

L, K. HOAR,
Prominent contractor and Builder.

A Terrible Accident.

A terrible wreck — a head end col-
lision, a cut of a portion of
which is herein shown, occurred on
the night of June 29, 1S97, on the Van-
dalia TJne near the western city limit
opposite the Paper Mill, causing the
instant death of two men, mail mes-
senger R. P. Shimer and V/. P. Coon,
baggageman, both of Indianapolis,
Ind., and both on No. 6, the east-
bound train. S. I. Parkinson, of Col-
umbus, Ohio, also a ma:l agent, and
Frank Owens, fireman on No. 6, were
seriously hurt. Owens having his leg

broken. The lalter's home was in
Terre Haute, Ind. None of the pas-
sengers on either train were injured.
Wrong interpretation of orders was
the cause of the accident. The west-
bound train was an excursion carry-
ing several hundred Christian En-
deavor delegates from the East,
bound for San Francisco, California.
Deputy Coroner E. J. Creel, of Vanda-
lia, held the inquest over the bodies
of Shimer and Coon, June 30. The
jury was composed of Charles E.
White, Martin F. Housto-i L. E.
Morey. Clifton Creel. Frank Stolle.
all of Vandalia. and C. E. Dickinson,
a stranger.

Vandalia's Post affice

and Rural Free Delivery.

By J. A. BINGHAM.

Wreck on Vandalia Line ni.ijht of Juno 2<», ls(>7, near the papcr
mill. Above ijicture shows the telescoped en.uines, the demol-
ished coaches having been detached and dragged away.

THE postmaster at Vandalia from
ISCO to 1S65 was Dr. J. N. Mc-
Cord. He was succeeded in that year
by H. C. Fallin. who was in turn suc-
ceeded by Hon. H. S. Humphrey of
Vandalia, and he continued in office
for 17 years, being succeeded by S.
B. Stout and he in turn by J. F.
Sayles. On the incoming of Mr.
Cleveland's second administration,
Mr. Sayles was succeeded by C. E.
Easterday. and April 1, 1S9S, Mr.
Easterday was succeeded by J. A.
n-ngham, who was re-appointed by
Theodore Roosevelt in June 1902.
During this period of forty-four years,
the office has been held by six men,
all of whom are at present living ex-
cept Dr. J. N. McCord and H. C. Fall-
in. The office has been moved dur-
ing thai period six different times.
J. N. McCord kept the post office in
the McCord building opposite the
court house on Gallatin street. Mr.
Fallin moved the office into what is
now known as the Humphrey Drug
Store Building. LTpon Mr. Hum-
phrey's appointment, he moved the
post office to the McCurdy Building
On the west side of the square and
afterwards moved it back to the Fall-
in location, or the present Humphrey
Drug Store Building, where it re-
mained during the entire portion of
Mr. H\niir!irev's administration. Mr.
Stout moved the office to what was
called "The hole in the wall." in the
Dieckman-Stout Building south of the
public square. Mr. Sayles moved

SOU\T.XIR Ol' \ AXDALIA, llI.IXolS.

89

RESIDENCE OF O. F. BAKRLHV.

L. E. MOREY,

For over :!ii years ongased in llie

hardware li\isiness in Vamlalia.

I he office from Uiere to the Iliggins
Blocfv. where it remained during Mr
Rasterday's adminii?tration. Jlr

f^ingham moved the office again into
the Perkins Building on the soutli
side of Gallatin street, where it now
is.

The office entered the presidential
class durin.g Mr. Humphrey's admin-
istration and became an international
office during Mr. Easterday's admin-
istration.

In February. 19(il, three rural
routes were established out of the
office and June 1st, the present year,
another one. making four rural routes
now serving the rural patrons con-
ti.guous to the Vandalia post office.
To show the !;rowth of the rural busi

::i-'.;i. taking tlie montli of December,
111113, we find the three rural rojites
delivered ten registers, 3055 letters,
.Smi postal cards. 7379 newspapers,
l<iri2 circulars and 327 packages, mak-
ing a total number of pieces deliver-
ed 13197. The month is a fair aver-
age for the year, which aggregates
a total of 158.354 pieces of mail de-
livered by rural carriers in a year.
During the month of June, this yerr,
there were delivered 14,2^14 pieces of
rui'al mail, which if multiplied by 12
gives 170.448 pieces of mail delivered
on rural routes two years later, a
gain of nearly 2ii.iiiiii pieces of mail
per year.

Pew people realize the imuortance
of the rural free delivery servin to

our a.gricultural coinnuinities. When
yoi take into consideration the fact
that there are fifteen or sixteen hun-
dred patrons served by rural routes
out of this office, there are at least
five to six hundred heads of families
who. under the old system, would
make an average trip of twice a week
to Vandalia for their mail. If you
credit them a day lost at fifty cents
a day besides the expense of feeding
team and incidentals accompanying
a large number of our rural popula-
tion on their semi-weekly visits to
Vandalia. they will not get home with
an additional expense of less than
one-half dollar each. This, if multi-
plied liy the original number of 500.
will mal:e a s"m of money that i?

CLIFFORD FEHREN HIGGINS.

Assistant Cashier Farmers and Jler-

chants Bank.

RESIDENCE UE AlRb. CVNTHIA HICKMAN.

90

SOL'A'EXIR OF VAXDATJA. ILIJXOIS.

KESIDEXCE OF DR. L. L. MOKEY.
South Fourth Street.

JOSEPH C. BURTSCHI,

Youug and Prominent Insurance and

Real Estate Agent.

astonishing when you stop to com-
pute it. In addition to this, it will re-
quire at least one extra horse and
buggy on the farm for at least five
hundred heads of families in order to
make the semi-weekly trip, which by
the introduction of the rural free de-
livery service is now unnecessary
and the time is pnifitably employed
upon the farm, adding materially to
the wealth of the country and growth
of the rural population.

One of the innovations peculiar to
this office is the use of the bicycle on
the rural routes. Last year Mr.
Hackleman. on rural route ime made
eighty-nine trips on his wheel. His
route is twenty-six and a half miles
long and he made these trijjs on an
piverage cf two hours and forty-five

minutes per trip. He has made reg-
ularly when the roads are in good
condition, five trips per week. On
Thursdays, or "pajier day" he is com-
pelled to go in his wagon and it re-
quires double this time to get around.
Thus the farmer living on the rural
routes is permitted to enjoy his daily
mail, especially his daily paper by
1(1:30 A. M. on the entire route.
Recently Mr. Hackleman made the
trip in two hours and twenty-seven
minutes. Mr. Sayles. the carrier 'on
route two. inade his circuit twenty
minutes later. It will be interesting
as a part of history to know that one
of the merchants livin,g on one of the
rural routes actually complained to
the department that he received his
r^?il too early when the carrier used

his wheel. It is needless to say that
the complaining merchant was ad-
vised that it was the policy of the
l)ost office department to deliver all
mail on the routes as expediciously
as possible. The bicycle, by virtue
of his complaint has received the
official sanction of the department.

The rural delivery is certainly one
of the .greatest blessings that has
come to our farmers. It is the ambi-
tion of the present postmaster to
have this county put under a system
of rural free delivery in which every
section of the county shall have its
benefit.

In order to give the puldic some
idea of the quantity of mail deliver-
ed at this office, I will herein insert
the figures of the actual weights of

ALFRED F. b.MlTll,

Juniui Editor of the Fayette Co;inty

Democrat,

RESIDENCE ()!• DR. H. D. SMITH.

?Or\-FXTR OF \"AXD\T.TA. IT.MXOTS

91

THOMAS CAPPS.
Local ilanager for llie Valier
Spies Milling Company.

antl

Ri:SlUi;.\Lli ol- J, \VI1,L KirTBR
'West (Tallatin Strec-t.

mail of all classes received ia this
office between the date of October 3.
to and including November 6. ISSlt.
There originated in this office and
was dispatched therefrom, 925 pounds
and one ounce of first class mail; 519
pounds and 11 ounces of second class
matter; 690 pounds and one ounce of
newspapers free in the county; 35ii
pounds and 11 ounces of third and
fourth class matter. It is estimated
that there will average 35 letters and
cards to the pound. On this basis,
during the 35 days from October to
November. 1S99. the last date for
weighing, there were sent out of this
office 32,375 letters and liostal cards.
This calculation does not include
number of pieces dispatched. Dur-
ing this same period, this office re-
ceived and di~Datched 9"4 jiounds

and 7 ounces of first class matter.
This does not include the many let-
ters, papers and cards mailed on tlie
trains at ni.ght by our merchants and
others. From these facts, the pul)Iic
may get some conception of the enor-
mous quantity of mail handled.

Since the establishment of the four
rural routes out of Vandalia, tour post
offices were discontinued, whose mail
was, by the order of the department,
thrown into this office and the pa-
trons served by rural carriers instead
of the local postmasters, thus the of-
fice force is compelled to handle and
to do the business that was formerly
done liy four additional postmasters.

During the four years of JMr. East-
erday's administration, the Vandalia
post office issued 13,S9S money or-
r'ors. Durin.g the four years of the

present administration, the office is-
sued 29,122 money orders, The reg-
ister business increased at about the
same ratio. It is estimated that there
are in round numbers, 10,(100 patrons
of the \'andalia post office. Some get
one letter a month while others get
thousands and the postmaster and
clerks rre compelled to come in con-
tact with this vast number of people
and it is not suriirisin.g that some
mistakes occur. It is perhaps one of
the severest tests of endurance that
an individual can be called upon to
bear, to come in contact with this
vast body of patrons and escape
some friction. It is the opinion of
all of the gentlemen who have pre-
ceded me in the office that he has
more trouble with the individual who
gets one letter r month than with the

RESIUEXCE OF M. F. HOUSTON.
West Gallatin Street.

.J. F. .McELHENEY,
Prominent Feed aiul drain .Merchant.

92

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

HOME OF LON S. MATHERLY.
'East Madison Street.!

JOHN Lli^LEY,
Pir-mer City Treasurer and Pruii
nent Groceryman.

man who receives a thousand. This
vast quantity of mail, money orders,
and registers can only be handled by
a complete system and places the
clerks and the postmaster under a
heavy mental strain from the time
the office opens in the morning until
it closes at night.

6ottic Recollections of the Post
Office in Tandalia from

1869 to 1886.

Bv H. S. Hlmi'URkv.
I was first appointed postmaster at
Vandalia in June, 1869, by President
Grant, and was continued in the office
by succeeding presidents until Febru-
ary, 1886, nearly a year after the in-

auguration of President Cleveland.
At the time of my first appointment,
Vandalia was the principal trading
point and market in Fayette county,
and people sent and received mail
here, who resided many miles distant
— ^from parts of Avena, nearly all of
Sefton, Otego, Wilberton and Semi-
nary, what is now Bear Grove, and
a very large part of Sharon town-
ships.

Soon after the opening of the Van-
dalia and Terre Haute Railroad post
offices were established at Hagers-
town, Brownstown, Avena and Loo-
gootee, but these did not materially
effect the service of the Vandalia
office, which continued to increase
in letters and news and literary and
rnlitical matter received and deliv-

ered. For several years from the
commencement of mail service on the
Vandalia Line there was a large
amount of mail matter received from
trains on that road and the Illinois
Central for distribution to points
east and west and north and south,
for which extra labor no extra com-
pensation was received, though the
Vandalia office was a distributing
office imtil the system of distributing
such matter by messengers on trains
was adopted by the Postal Dep't.

The money order business of the
office was also increased, amounting
in one year to over $27,01)0, which
was not small at that time consider-
ing that there were two banks and
O'.rress offices issuing money drafts
and orders.

JOHN li. WEBB,

Attorney at Law and Ex-Counly

Judge.

RESIDENCE OF MISS JOSEPHINE GREGORY.
Corner Fonrth and lohnsciii Streets.

<Oli\q^\MR (")F \'A\n\l,I.\. II.IIX'OTS.

P3

C. G. SMITH,

Editor of The Democrat, Fayette

County's Pioneer Newspaper Man.

HOMl-; OF CH.\S. ('.. .SMITH, Editor Fayette Dc-ni.K-rat.
North Third Street.

VandaLliaL's Soldiery

In War and Peace

If vvar serves to make "Columbia.
Tlie Gem of The Ocean" Vandalia
and Fayette county have done their
full share toward furnishing men in
time of war to make it the bright
particular star in the gems of the
ocean. At no time when the country
was called on for defenders of the
flag did Vandalia delay its patriotic
character. The first war after the or-
iianization of the co"niy was the Mex-

ican war of l.s4i;. Old Fayetle re-
siKjuded with a company captained by
lion. P arris Foreman, who afterwards
became colonel of the regiment. This
comjjany numliered such men as the
late Geo. H. Dieckmann, Foreman and
others and it saw some real service.

When the rebellion opened Fayette
county was the first in the field with
recruits. It responded to the first
call and then stood by the flag when
three years voluntee"<". were called
for following the three months enlist-
ment. There was no apathy in Fay-
ette. The whole county was a re-
cruitin.g ground and V'andalia was the
center of all the excitement. In all
no less than fifteen companies were
organized and sent to the front frf)m

Vandalia. There were two companies
from Vandalia in the Sth Inftry, and
one each in the 11th. 143rd, 97th. 4(lth,
54th. 7th cavalry. 14th cavalry, and
four companies in the 35th Inftry.
The city was simply an armed camp
during the whole recruiting period.

Some of the men who went from
Vandalia attained a national repu-
tation. Col. Thos. E. G. Ransom, who
was the Illinois Central agent at Fa-
rina when hostilities began, enlisted
in the 11th 111. and soon became colo-
nel and afterwards brigadier general.
Other di«linguished men in the Union
cause were Col. Stur.gess of the Sih.

KESIDEXCH OF MRS. SALLIE STILI,.MAX.
East Gallatin Street.'

L. W. MILLER, Deceased.
Former Secretary and Solicitor of the
Vandalia Mutual- County Fire In-
surance Company, and for several
years a prominent dry .goods mer-
chant.

94

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

RESIDENCE OF [OSEl'll KEElJ.
North Third Street.

J. A. HUTCHINSON,

Bookkeeper lor W. W. bhonk Butch
er Blocl^ Works.

Major Thos. Jenkins of the Ml)) Cav-
alry and Major A. P. Koshler of the
7th Cavalry, all Vadalians. Vandalia
feels proud of its record in the Rebel-
lion. There are tew counties in the
state which surpassed Old Fayette in
going on record in exhibition of its
hieh patriotism when the occaaion
presented itself. The following is a
complete list of the companies re-
cruited in Vandalia for the Union
cause, with the names of the cap-
tains:

A. J. McCraner, Sfh 111. Inftry, Co.
"H."

Rolit. H. Sturgess. Sth HI, Inftry.
Co. "H."

Thos. E. G. Ransom. 11th 111. Inftry.
Co. "E."

Chas. W. Hurr. 35th 111. Inltry. Co.
•B."

B. W. Henry, 35th III. r.iftry. Co. G.

Sylvanus M. Parsons, 35th, 111.
Inftry. Co. "H."

Theodore C. Rodrig, 3Sth 11). Inftry.
Co. "C."

Robt. G. Nance. 4iith, III. Inftry.
Co. "B."

Thos. F. Galvin, 4oth 111. Inftry.
Co. "H."

Theodore C. Rodrig, 54th III. Inftry.
Co. ■■K."

.lohn H. Welch, 97th 111. Inftry. Co.
"F."

.lames M. Erwin. !i7fh 111. Inftry.
Co. "H."

Wilson C^miibell, !)7lli 111. Inftry.
Co. -T."

James, W. Cheney, 49th 111. Inftry,
Co. •■D."

James B. Ray, 143rd 111. Inftry. Co.
"E."

Jostph .M. Chase, 7th III. Cav. Co.
■F."

Thos. K. Jenkins, 14th III. Inftry.
Co, "F."

Co. h, fourth Infantry, I. N- 6.

Vandalia can well afford to look
with pride on their home guard. The
company was first organized in 1SS4,
and was mustered into the service
by Col. R. ftl. Smith, then Colonel of
the Sth Regiment, to which this com-
'i.nnv was assi.gned. The b'lys were

Al.EX REKD,
Ex-Member County Board of Supervi-
sors and former City Chief of Police.

KHSIDENCE OF iiuN. W . M. FOGLEK.
Corner Third and Randolph Sts.

SOTTVENIR OF VANI3AL1A. ILLINOIS.

95

CHAS. H. McUONALD.
Ex-County Sheriff, Ex-Supervisor, ex-
tensive land owner and stool;
breeder.

KLSlDliXCU OF l-KHL) ^TlilMl AUHK OX X. FIRST ST.

sworn in and company officers elect-
ed and appointed the same evening
in the old bank building.

Jerome G. Wills was elected cap-
lain, H. J. Gochenour and B. F. Mar-
tin, lieutenants. The non-commis-
sioned officers appointed at that time
were and are today among our best
business men of the city. Captain
Wills remained with the company one
year and was succeeded by J. B.
Washburn, who was promoted from a
sergeant to captain. Washburn serv-
ed as such until 18ST, when he re-
signed on account of his business tak-
ing up his time. He was succeeded
by Captain F. L. Fehren. In LSSS
Fehren resigned and. tiy request.
Captain Washburn went back and
was commissioned captain the sec-
ond time. In 1892, Washburn was

promoted to lieutenant colonel and
later on to colonel of the now 4lh
1 egiment where he remained and
commanded the regiment at Camp
Tanner at the l)eginning of the war
with Spain when a friction occurred
between he and Governor Tanner
over the appointment of Washburn'.'^
staff, which resulted in Washburn's
resignation. Co. 1 has served the
state of Illinois in all labor troubles
from the time of its organization up
to ahe present time. During the
great railroad strike of 1SS6, in East
St Louis, the boys served there for
five weeks, also being out at the P\il-
man strike, Chicago, at coal mine
strike at Centralia, Carterville anil at
Cairo and Mounds during the rail-
road trottbles and also at East St.
Louis after the V °t. l.otis cyclone.

No company in the state has been
called out more than Co. I, during
their existence and while they have
always complied with orders from
the commander-in-chief, they can
proudly say that they have never
caused the death of a single individ-
ual. Any company can go out and
shoot and kill, but a company who
can serve in all these troubles and
command peace and protect property
without causing the loss of a sin.gle
individual should be proud of their
record.

Company I on several occasions
has been considered one of the crack
companies of the state and from the
time of its or.ganization up to the
present time many of our best citi-
zens and business men have been con-
nected directly or inilivcclly with the

RESIDENCE OF H. S. HUMPliREV.
Corner First and Madison Streets.

.lOHN ETCHISON,
Extensive land owner and capitalist.

96

SOUVENIR OF VANDALTA. ILLINOIS.

RESILIENCE oE S.J. SHAW .\E.^R Y.WUAIAA.

company. Dr. R. E. Beach at one
time was co:ii:ected with the regi-
ment a.s assistant surgeon and would
have probably remained many years
longer had his large practice allowed
him. Dr. Higinbotom also acted in
the same capacity. Dr. R. T. Higgins
carried the title of colonel by acting
in Colonel Tanner's staff. Company
I has today one of the finest armories
in the state outside of Chicago, aiid
Vandalia's 4110 will never forget when
their new armory was dedicated. At
that time many of the highest mili-
tary officers of the state as we'l as
officers of the regular army, were
present. Speeches were made l)y
General Hilton, (then Adjutant Gen-
eral under Gov. Altgeld), Col. Camp-
bell, Col. R, M. Smith, Hon. .Judge
Creighton, Hon. Judge Fouke and
many others and at night all enjoyed
the grandest military ball ever .given
in Central or Southern Illinois. The
grand march was led by General Hil
ton a!id wife.

The company naturally lii;s hud its

u;;s and downs, bat at all times has
been considered as a good relialile
company and one which could be de-
pended on at all times to do tlieir
duty. To the writers best knowledge
the following have held commissions
in the company as captain and lieu-
tenant since its organization: Capt.
J. G. Wills, Lieut. B. F. Martin, Lieut.
H. J. Gochenour, Capt. J. B. Wash-
burn, Lieut. J. J, Shehan, Lieut. Geo.

E. Meeks, Capt, Geo. Andrews, I^ieut.
Willis Smith, Lieut. Marshal Mad-
dox, Lieut. Clayton. Lieut. Hig.gin-
bottom, Ijieut. L. H. Washburn, Lie;it,
Harry White, Lieut. R. P. Stout, Capt.

F. L. Fehren, Lieut. John Laws, Capt.
S. S. Houston, Capt, Charles Clark,
Lieut. I.awler, I^ieut, J, O. Rutledge,
I.,ieut, Roy Chandler, and Capt. C. W.
Sweet, TJeut. Adams, Rev, H. W.
Todd, who was appointed in Colonel
Washburn's staff as ropiimental chap-

JAS, BUCHANAN,
Ex-County Clerk.

lain, served with li.e company during
war with Spain .":nl who will never
be forgotten by his many friends.

When the Spanish American war
broke out the company was in first
class trim and anxious for the fray,
and the writer has seen many a rug-
ged private who to all appearances,
was every inch a man, but, on close
examination by the LT. S. army sur-
geons, was rejected for one cause or
another, who actually cried because
they couldn't go to the front to defend
their country. Company I served dur-
ing this war for some time in camp
at Camp Tanner, Springfield, then at
Jacksonville,, Florida, and later on in
Cuba, and was commanded during
this time by Capt, S. S. Houston,
Lieut. R, P. Stout and Lieut. E. P.
Clayton, Clayton today being connect-
ed with the regiment as major be-
ing recently elected. When the
Ijoys left for the front their large
armory was not large enough to ac-
commodate their friends to bid thera
good-by and the ='ame on their return
home. They still hold their organi-
zation and at the iiresent time are
commanded by Capt. Harry J. White,
Lieut. J. O. Rutledge, and R. Chandler

iU'A). !■. .->NERL1^:V,

County Treasurer, served leu terms

as memlicr of Count v Hoard.

IIU.MI' UE W, C. WHri'E, R.\M>ULrH ST,

SOl'VENTR nr VAXDAT.IA. IT.T.IXf^TS,

97

Ib&^A?

MRS. NANNIIO .II':NK1NS.
Paiiioiis Aiiisl. nn\\ m liidiaiuiiiDlis

kiiSlDHXCE <)I- H. C. <^AIM-:S.
West Oall.-itin Strcjt.

6Ae Criminal Record

Of Vandalia.

VANDALIA and Fa,V(;Ue Coiiiity
has been remarkably free Truni
serious crimes. But very few mur-
ders have ever talien piace in the
county, and but one legal execution.
Another murderer, whose crime was
committed in this county was exe-
cuted at Effingham, 111., a change of
venue having been taken in that case
to that county.

In the fall of 1874 Nathan Burgess
murdered Joseph Robbins, a watch-
man on the trestle east of Vandalia.
He was indicted by the Fayette Cir-
cuit Court and the case was sent to

the Effingham Circuit Court on a
change of venue. Me was tried at
the March term, ISTiJ, and was sen-
tenced to be han.ged, the execution
laking place in Effin.gham on .lune
ISth, 1875. ,.\n illustration of the
crowd around the Court Hotise on
the day of the execution appears here-
with. The most complete hisiijiy
this case in existence appears in the
files of The Effingham Democrat of
those days, and we take the following
account at the trial and execution
from those files.

The first account of the Burgess
case is noted in The Effingham Dem-
ocrat of March LSth, 187.5, in the Fay-
ette Court notes which stated that
after indictment the case against
Burgess had lieen changed from Fay-
etie to Effingham countv on a change

of venue, in the issue of March 251 h,
1S75. in llie i)i iiceedings of the Cii-
cuii Court of Ibis county appears llie
lollowing account of the Burgess
case:

"The People vs. Win. Burgess,
murder — On a change of venue from
Fayed'' county. State's Attorneys
Ashcraft and Gillmore for the people.
Campliell of Fayette, and Rinehart of
Effingham aiipeared for the defense
by appointment of the Court. Thi.
was a case of much importance, and
was long and tedious, and Involving
as it did a question of life and death,
every point was duly considered in
the progress of the trial. It was be-
gun on Thursday by an opening state-
ment by State's Attorney Ashcraft,
in which he no doubt convinced the
,iury that if tli<> evidence proved U>

MRS. L. J. URBANI,

Miiline y and Notions, continuously
n business since 1S7C.

IIO.ME OI-- W.M Rl-nilOK.X ( ).\ W. JollXSoX S'l

9R

SOUVENIR OF VANDALTA. ILLINOIS.

RESIDENCE OF A. W. PFEIFEK.
Xditli Sixth Street.

EBENEZER CAPPS, Deceased.

Who was the leading merchant when

Vandalia was the State Capital.

be what he stated Burgess must be
found guilty. The statement was
lucid and to the point.

"Then the opening by the defend-
ant's counsel, Campbell, was made.
This was rather a tame effort, all the
wind doubtless l)eing tal;en out of it
by the numerous confessions of the
defendant. Then the evidence was
introduced showing many confessions
of the defendant, some of which were
made after having been warned by
the prosecuting attorney not to say
anythin.s; to criminate himself, as It
would be used against him. 't'he evi-
dence was overwhelming that the i1e-
fendant killed .Joseph Robbins in cold
Ijlood, with malice and aforethoushr.

BENJAMIN I.-RANKLIN LEE,
Who helped to build the first mill in
Vandalia: also ■.he old wooden
bridge over the Okaw river and
the old Cajiilol linildin.g, the pres-
ent court house. He is still alive
at the age of 87 years.

The evidence for ihe defense aimply
showed that there was no dei'enst.
The opening argument was made by
State's Attorney Gillmore, and was a
clear statement of the evidence of
the case. He was followed by Robert
Campbell for the defense, who made
a short and well directed speech. E.
N. Rinehart then followed and made
an elaborate and logical argument for
the defendant. State's Attorney

Ashcraft. who closed the case, made
a very clear argument. The jury
then retired and returned in about
two hours with the following verdict:
'We, the jury, find the defendant
guilty as charged in the indictmeni,
and fi.\ punishment at death.'

"The defendaul's counsel then eu
tered a motion for a new trail, which

iias not yet been argued. The prob-
ability is that Burgess must suffer
Ihe penalty of the law, 'Whoso shed-
deth man's blood, by man shall his
blood be shed.'

In the following issue dated April
1st, 1875, appears a more extended
account of the trial and history of the
crime as given evidence. It is as
follows:

"During the present term of the
Circuit Court the trial of Nathiin
Burgess, on a change of venue from
Fayette county, for the murder of
.Joseph Robbins near Vandalia, has
attracted much attention. A few
facts and incidents of the trial will
no doubt be of interest. On Thurs-
day, the ISth day of March, the case
came on for trial. E. M. Ashcraft,

RESIDEiXCE Ol' MRS. HEX]. CAFPS.
Nortli Sixth Street.

sorxF-XiR OF \\\xn.\y.TA. TI.l.lXOlS,

99

^-Wh

W. A. HAYWARU,
Well Known Jeweler.

Llate s Atiuiuey I'u;- Fayellu county.
and Wm. H. Gillmore, Slate's Attor-
ney for this county, appeared for the
people, and Robert Campbell aod E.
N. Rinehart for the defense. After
much time having been consumed, the
following jury was impanneled, and
sworn to try the case: J. W. Olinger,
George Flowers. Charles Troy, Peter
Harrison, Wm. Homan, George Scree-
ton, John H. Loy, August Schroeder,
B. M. Claypoole, Wm. Evans, John
Thompson and Joseph Kroeger.

"The State's Attorney from Fayette
county opened the case for the peo-
ple, and Robert Campbell for the de-
fense. The evidence was then given
on the part of the prosecution which
was substantially as follows:

•"Joseph Robbins was employed by
the Vandalia to watch the trestle just
east of Vandalia. and while in the
discharge of his duty in the house
prepared for the bridge watcher, he
was shot by some one about nine
o'clock in the evenin.g. He was soon

RESIDENCE UE JttHX HELUOCK.
.Xorlli Third Street.

found and |)iil under medical treat-
ment, but sul)Sequently died from the
shot.

"Burgess before the coroner's in-
quest, and before the convicting mag-
istrate, confessed that he had shot
Joseph Robbins. It was also shown
that Robbins' shot gun had been
stolen, and it was inferred that this
gun did the foul deed. State's Attor-
ney Ashcraft informed Burgess that
whatever confessions he made woulil
be used a.gainst him. Still with this
warning before him, he said he must
confess, as the face of the murdered
man haunted him yet. Burgess also
confessed to the Rev. Harris that he
was guilty of this inhuman crime.

"The evidence for the defense was
then introduced, but showed no ma-
terial answer to the charges and
proof. The theory was, however,
that Burgess feared a mob, and con-
fessed under this apprehension. But
after hearing all the evidences and
ar.guments of counsel, and being in-
structed by the Court the Jury re-
lired, and about midnight on Friday
night they returned the following
verdict: "We. the jury, find the de-
fendant .guilty as charged in the in-
dictment and fix the punishment at
death."

The prisoner, who all along had un-
bounded confidence in his acquittal,
here completely broke down under
the verdict of the jury. On Friday,
the 27th day of March, the motion for
a new trial was argued fully by the
counsel, and on Saturday morning
following the Court overruled the mo-
lion mid pronounced the sentence,
"iiicb was substantially as follows:

KESIIJEXCE OF E. E. MOKEY.
South Fourth Street.

JOS. B. CLARK,
Saw iMill and Lumber.

lOo

SOUVKNTR OF VANDALIA, TIJJNOTS.

JAMES EAKlN,
Deputy Sheriff Fayette County.

■Nathan Burgess, what have you to
say why sentence should not be
passed upon you according to the ver-
dict of the jury?' No response.
'The jury has found you guilty of
murder, and your punishment at
death. 1 admonish you to banish all
thoughts of pardon or reprieve, and
during the hours thai remain that you
prepare for the death that surely
awaits you; that you put your trust
in God, who through his Son has
power to forgive your sins, who for-
gave the thief upon the cross. 1 here
present you with this book from a
minister of the Gospel, and it now
only remains that the sentence of the
Court be passed, which is, that you
be taken hence to the county jail,
and there confined until the 18th day
of .June next to l)e taken from thence
by the sheriff of this county to the
place of execution, between the hoiu's
of 10 a. m., and 4 o'clock p. m., on
sail! dav, and thci'e hanged by the

RBSIDENCE OF Al. J. HARDING.
Soutli Eitrhth Street.

neck until dead; and may the Lord
have mercy on your soul."

The execution of Burgess took
place on Friday, .June ISth. 187.5.
Wm. C. Baty wa.s the sheriff of the
county at that time, and had charge
of the execution. We reproduce the
account of the execution herewith
which appeared in The Democrat of
June 24th, 17S.5. and which was as
follows:

"Nathan Burgess, who at the March
term of the Effln,gham County Cir-
cuit Court was convicted of the mur-
der of Joseph Robliins and sentenced
to l)e hanged on Friday, the 18th day
of June, 1875, paid the extreme pen-
alty of the law in accordance with his
sentence Friday at about Iialf past
one o'clock.

"The murder was committed about

one mile east of Vandalia, at the
bridge near the Okaw River, on the
3Sth day of October, 1874. He was
indicted at Jlarch term of the Van-
dalia Circuit Court, and on a change
of venue he was brought to Effing-
ham Circuit Court. Counsel was ap-
pointed by the Court to defend him.
He was ably defended by Messrs.
Campbell of Vandalia and E. N. Rine-
hart of Effingham.

"A petition numerously signed was
sent to the Governor, appealing for a
commutation of the sentence to im-
prisonment f:)r life, failed, the Gover-
nor deciding the law should ta'Ke its
course, without executive inter-
ference.

The following sl-'etch of his life is
chiefly in his own words:

"Nathan Burgess was born in

RlvSlIiENCl' (If .\LliERMAN t^liuKGE SLllAJlUr.

EDWARD I.. W'A iL. Deceaseil,

I. ale Cashier Farmers and Alercha; (s

Bank.

SnT^\'F.N'TR OF \' WHAr I A. [T.I.IN'OIS.

\o\

RESIDENCE OF N. S. HUCHAXAN.
Snutli HislUli street.

.MRS. HARRIET McCORD, Dec'O.

Piqiia, Jliama County, Ohio, on the
titli (lay of May, 1S47. He says his
parents were good and kind to liim
from infancy and taught him to be
honest and upright, and sent him to
Saljljath School. Being very pooi
they were not able to give him
very good education, he having at
tended school only about 18 months
in his life. He writes a fair hand
and is able to read intelligently. He
worked with his father until he was
old enough, then spent 23 months
learnin.g the blacksmith's trade. Not
liking this he abandoned it and went
to common labor. He came to Illi-
nois in 1S6S, lived in Richland coun-
ty two years, and then moved to Van-
dalia, where he lived ever since.
He stated .iust a few hoirs before

his execution that he felt he had tieen
a sinner, but had forgiven all his
enemies, and had no feeling toward
any man but one. and that was Min-
ister Harri.s, who he stated swore
falsely against him. He then said:
"I hope to meet all my friends and
relatives in heaven. I feel that I
am going to heaven. I am happy.
I forgive all my enemies. I feel that
the spiritual advice has been a great
blessing and comfort to me. I feel
that through the means that God has
ordained for the restoration of man-
kind I have been blessed with the
peace of regeneration. My desire is
to meet my spiritual advisers, Bros.
G. W. Barciis. Rev. G A. Pollock and
Rev. C. McAnally. with all of God's
iieople in heaven.

At 1:2S the sheriff started from
his cell. Burgess following, followed
by Sheriff Jennings of Payette coun-
ty. Deputies Nuxoll and Dobbs, and
the three attending ministers, Bros.
Pollock, Barcns and McAnally. When
Biir.gess appeared he was calm and
composed, steady and firm. He ar-
rived on the platform. Rev. G. A.
Pollock prayed fervently for the
doomed man. At the conclusion of
the prayer, the Sheriff read the or-
der of the Court to him and asked
him what he had to say. He said,
"I have nothing to say but that I am
innocent of the crime with which I
am charged. God knows that I am
innocent." The sheriff .gave him 10
minutes in which to say anything.
He said nothing, but neat the end of

ANN STUBBLEFIELD STARXES.

RESIDENCE OF JOHN GOCHEXOFK
South First Street.

105

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

.•s

KHSIDENCE OF OHO. A. A. DIECKMANN.
CoiiRT Madison and Third St.

E. R. RISON. Deceased.

Served in the Me.xican War, was at

the battle of Monterey.

the 1(1 minutes he called Charles
Hausmann to him and said, "You are
the only man who swore the truth
that swore against me." Hausmann
said, "I swore the truth." During
the interview with Hausmann was
the only time he evinced the slightest
emotion. The 10 minutes passed and
the sheriff, with the attendants, put
on the cap, tied his hands, adjusted
the rope and in a moment, at 16
minutes before 2 o'clock, he swung
off into eternity. For a few mo-
ments no muscular signs were no-
ticed, but soon a violent quivering
was seen and then all was quiet. At
14 minutes his pulse was very slight;
at 16 minutes entirely gone. .At the

"UNCLE JOHN" McCONNELL,
A much respected pioneer citizen of
Fayette County, known to every
Vandalian.

end of 20 minutes Drs. Eversman
Groves, LeCrone and Scott pro-
nounced him dead and he was cut
down and placed in his coffin.

He was carried out through the
crowd to the street, where he was
sat down and the cap taken off, and
the excited thousands permitted 1o
gaze on the remains of a man who
had paid the severest penalty of the
law. .\fter all had seen him, a
statement prepared by him was read
by Owen Scott at his request.

The execution was almost perfect-
ly done, no excitement occurring to
shock those present. C. Nolte super-
intended the erection of the gallows
and everything was as well done as
could be desired. .Although the act
'=! hfiri'ilile to cnnlemplate, all the of-

ficers who were required to do this
did their duty with that accuracy and
firmness which characterizes men of
capacity and courage.

Cbc Ranging of 6corgc Ogle.

George Ogle, the only man ever
hung in Fayette county, was hanged
on the ISth day of November, 1S42.
in Vandalia, for the murder of a wo-
man named Ellen Clemmens with
whom he had been living, and though
not legally married, were commonly
understood to be man and wife. Ogle
accused the woman of being faith-
less, and in a fit of jealous rage killed
her, and concealed her body in Bi.g
Lake in Pope township, Fayette

RESIDENCE OE D. M. CLAKK.
South E^irst Street.

SOITVENTR OF X'W'DAT.IA, TT.IJNOTS.

1 n:;

^

\,

ic^

w

k

GEO. W. MABRY, Deceased.
Former Deputy Sheriff of Fayelte
County.

county. Suspicion fastened on him.
and Noah Langston. who were ar-
rested and brought to Vandalia and
incarcerated in the county jail to
await the action of the grand jury
which convened in a few days after
their arrest.

Court convened on October 24.
1842, with Sidney Breese, associate
justice of supreme court on the
bench. William H. Underwood was
states attorney. James W. Berry,
clerk and James Hankins, sheriff.
The following named persons were
empanelled as grand jurors, viz;
William C. Greenup, Isham Jennings.
John Denton, Joseph T. Rccles. Jos-
eph Ginger. Martin Daniel, Elijah
Reese Harvey Lee, George Siimv
Pnleit T. Kirk, David Ca-sey "r'-iffin

PLANT OF STANDARD OIL CO.

T. Hawkins. Benjamin F. Lee. Heas-
l(ui B\ichanan. John A. Hatheny, Wil-
Iurd T. Hopkins. John Arnold and
.Icrcniiah Bivens. The court appoint-
ed Col. William C. Greenup foreman.
A remarkable fact is that out of the
twenty-three grand jurors one is still
alive, although far advanced in years,
viz: Benjamin F. Lee. who resides at
Sholionier. Fayette county.

On the 25th day of October, the sec-
ond day of the term, the grand jury
returned into court an indictment
against George O.gle and Noah Langs-
ton for murder. On the 26 they were
arrainged for a plea, and havin.g no
counsel, the court appointed Hon.
William Lee. D. Ewing and Hon. Jos-
eph H. Gillesiiie as counsel for de-
fendants. They plead not guilty.

On the ?7fh day of October. Noah
Langston was tried separately. The
fnllowiu" nameii persons cinstit"tpd

\

/

the jury on the trial, viz: Allen Aus-
tin. Jeremiah Denton, John Enochs.
Moses Cluxton. George W. Haley,
William G. T^tithers. William Major.
William H. Martin, James Stokes.
Joseph M. Bowles. Philip Stout and
Francis M. Pippin.

On the 28th the jury returned their
verdict of guilty as bein.g accessory
after the fact. Lan,gston was imme-
diately sentenced to the penitentiary
for a term of two years. On the
same day. October 28. George O.gle
was tried. The jury consisted of Da-
vid Crotzer. John Little. Samuel Wes-
ner. Micajah Estes. William West.
John MoDonough. Michael Smith.
Gilbert Hall. Wilkerson Sage. George

LXTERIOR OF THE VANDALL\ STEAM LAUNDRY.
E.J. Dietz, Proprietor.

.;OHN G. HAML/rON. Deceased,
Imh- over fifty years a citizen of Van-
dalia, voted for every republican
president from Wm. Henry Harri-
son to McKinley.

104

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

JAMES A. PHILLIPS,
Line Inspector for the American
Telephone and Telegraph Company

Lacy, John W. Forbush and Jacob A.
Spiller. It did not take long to try
the case for a verdict of guilty of
murder in the first degree was ren-
dered by the jury the same day, and
sentence was at once pronounced
against him, that he be hanged by
the necl'C tintil death on the ISth day
of November next, at any hour the
sheriff may appoint.

The sentence was carried out at
the appointed time, and that day has
ever since Ijeen a memorable day, as
l)eing the coldest day ever known in
V'andalia. Some old residents state
that the thermometer registered 40

•■GRANDMA" HAKKIET LILLEV

And her grandchildren, Raymond Smith and Kornian Lillcy.

Mrs. Lillcy- has resided in Vandalia half a century

and is 75|years old.

de.tjrees below zero. He was executed
.just a little northeast of where the
old log jail stood in the lot now own-
ed by Charles F. Emmel,

tlbc pecry Murder.

Vandalia has never had but one
murder, which has never been solved.
In the forties, (no one seems to know
what year,) James Peery, who was a
clerk of Hon. Robt. K. McLaughlin, of

ImjUK tTi^.NiiKA 1 UJNS.
Kcadin.ij from left to right: Mrs. jcanncttc Dieckmaim, a,g;
jiirs, Helen Bolt, a.ged 22; Mrs. Louise Dodge, born
Nickcrson, aged 72; .\rline Holt, 3 monlhs

the U. S. land office, was murdered by
some one unknown to this date. It
has always been the impression that
he was lured to the spot where he
was killed, by a woman, but no one
knows. He was killed in the street in
front of where thi, county jail stands,
on a bright moonlight night, and all
that is known of the crime is that a
Miss Malinda Blackwell. who was
unwell at the time and was awake,
heard a disturbance. She arose from
her bed and went to the window look-
in,g towards where the noise came
from and saw a man and woman flee-
i'lg from the place where the body

-H-;

L. F. MITCHELT>, Deceased,
Served as Circuit Clerk of Fayette
County four years and six months,
elected in 1S96 and re-elected 1900.

SOUX'ENIR OF \'A.\"DAL1A, ILLINOIS.

105

was found the next muniiiig. Some
years since, Mr. H. S. Humphrey, edi-
tor of the Vandalia "Union." at thai
lime, received a letter Irom an an-
onymous source in which the writer
said that he was the;i an old gray
haired man. hut if Col Kobert Black-
well, Col. Frederick Remann and
Jcshua W. Ross would meet him on a
certain day mentioned at the South-
c rn Hotel in St. Louis. Mo., he would
confess the secret to them provided
they would agree no prosecution
should follow. He said he wanted to
'•■sit old Vandalia once more before
he died. As all of these gentlemen
were dead at the time of receiving
the letter, of course nothin.g more was
said or done. The \v:ter wrote frum
some place in Calif ;."ia, b:t d'd not
disclose his name.

evening befori' the murder Pryor re-
tired aliout ten o'clock, after having
played several games of checkers
with his son .Vrthur. In the bed
with Pryor were hi.^ wife and ten-
year-old-son, Grover. in the other
bed, not three leel away, slept Ar-
thur, the older boy, making four
members of the family occupying the
room at the time the deed was com-
mitted. In the upper rooms of the
house two other members of the fam-
ily slept. Between three and four
o'clock Saturday morning Grover.
the ten-year-old son, awakened his
mother, saying that he had been
aroused by what he thought was a
gun shot, and that he could smell
ijurnt powder. Mrs. Pryor at once
awakened her son Arthur, who went
into the kitchen and got a lamp and

fasten the crime upon any one, and
tlu> jury returned the following ver-
dicl : In tiie matter of the inciuisition
on llii' body of Lafayette Pryor, de-
ceased, held at residence on KJth of
December, lS!;:i, we the undersigned
persons, sworn to inciuire iulo the
death of Lafayette Pryor. on oath
do find that he came to his death by
a gun shot wound which entered the
right eye and then penetrated the
brain, causing almost, it not instan-
taneous death. The wotind was
made, to the best of our knowledge,
by some unknown person other than
the deceased himself, and from ob-
servation was made by a ball of ?2
•aliber. .Jacob Wasmuth. foreman;
'Tarry IVIabry, A. H. Browning, S. J.
Shaw, E. M. Doyle, T. H. Sturgess.
On the Sunday morning following

SCENE OF THE HANGING OF NATHAN BFKGESS AT EFFINGHAM, ILL.

Che Last and Most Mysterious
Murder.

The last and most mysterious mur-
der to darken the pages of history of
Fayette County was that of Lafay-
ette Pryor, a farmer residing three
miles southeast of Vandalia. The
murder was a most cowardly one.
the assassin committing the foul
deed while his victim slept. The
murdered man was found dead in
bed in his own home early Saturday
morning, December 16, 1899, by his
wife, Lydia Pryor, and his two sons.
Arthur and Grover, all of whom
slept in the room where the murder-
ed hus'iand and father lay. On the

returning with the light exclaimed.
"Papa is shot." A hasty examina-
tion disclosed what appeared to oe a
bullet hole in the right eye. Ar-
thur hastily dressed and, mounting a
hnrse rode to his borther's, who lived
about a mile distant, and then to
Jack Shaw's and other neighbors,
arousing them and telling th^m to
come to tlie ho'se at once, that hif
father had been murdered. The
news soon spread to this city, and
Coroner Cox was notified. Abotit 11
o'clock the coroner arr' 'ed at the
scene of the murder and at once era-
pannelled a jury and commenced an
investigation by taking the tesninony
of the members of the family. But
the evidence was not sufiicient to

the funeral of the murdered man
■ook place from his late residence,
interment being made in the Ches-
hire grave yard. The motive for the
crime is still as great a mystery as
the day it was committed. It could
not have been for money, for in the
pocket of Pryor 's pants, which were
found under his pillow, was fotind
$228.01. Though somewhat eccen-
tric and peculiar. Pryor was not
known to bave any enemies, and was
on friendly terms with all his neigh-
bors and acquaintances.

■While the coroner's jury, from the
evidence before it, would have hard-
ly been justified in holding anybody
for the crime, yet the people were of
the opinion that the investigation

106

SOUVENIR OF VANDALTA. TLLTNOTS.

;R. J. N. McCORD. Deceased, D. C. McCORD, Deceased,

Pioneer Druggists, liaving engaged in ilie business long before the War.

WIVI. STAPP,
A Popular Young Salesman With K,
G. Ripley, Furniture and Undertak-
ing.

was not sufficiently thorough, and on
the following Tuesday after the mur-
der State's Attorney Spurgeon order-
ed the body of Pryor exhumed and
an examination of the wound made.
The autopsy, which was conducted
by Dr. C. A. Higinbotom. of Vanda-
lia. revealed the fact that the bullet
that did the deadly work was a 22
caliber shot; that it passed through
the right eye, penetrating the brain
and lodged against the skull at the
back of the head. The bullet was ex-
tracted and it with the gun found
in the house on the morning after
the ra\irder. were taken possession
of by the State's Attorney. After
considerable investigation on the
part of the officers of Fayette Coun-
ty, warrants were sworn out on Sat-
urday, just one week after the mur-
der, charging Mrs. Lafayette Prvor
and her son Arth'iv wUb the murder.
Sheriff McDnnalrl, with warranto,

immediately proceeded to execute
ihem by arresting Mrs. Pryor, who
was found at her home. Arthur
Pryor, who had gone to Clinton, 111.,
was arrested in that city by the sher-
iff of DeWitt County and lodged in
jail there. Mrs. Pryor was brought
to Vandalia and after a long confer-
ence with her attorneys and the of-
ficers, she was allowed to remain at
her home under guard until the pre-
liminary hearing, which was held be-
fore County Judge George T. Turner
on Saturday, December 30, 1899, and
Monday, .January 1, 1900. Long oe-
fore 9 o'clock Saturday morning, the
hour set for the trial, the room was
filled with witnesses and spectators,
attracted by the importance of the
case and the fact that the defendant

was a woman charged with the mur-
der of her husband. Charley Pryor.
a son of the accused and of the mur-
dered man. and one of the members
of the family who slept in the house
on the night of the murder, was the
first witness called. His evidence
elicited nothing in addition to that
given at the coroner's inquest. He
said he slept in the house on the
"iTbt of th° murder, and was aroused
about 3:30 o'clock by his mother call-
ing him and saying that somebody
had killed his father; that he imme-
diately went to the home of his
brother George and notified him, re-
turning with him to their father's
house; that he heard no noise or
shots fired during the ni.ght and
knew nothing of what had transpired

MRS. JOHN GOCHENOUR.

THE OLD JERAULD BLACKSMITH SHOP.
Site of the H. F. Jerauld Foundry &. Plow Works )urned in IS < 9.

SOUVEMIR OF VANDAFJA. ir.FJNOIS.

]07

till his mother aroused him; that the
family retired on the night of the
iiiurder at the usual time and all
were in good humor and so far as he
knew no ill feelings exis'el between
any members of the faujiiy. J. J.
McAulift. a reporter for the St. Louis
Post Dispatch, who had besn sent
here to write up the case, was the
next witness. McAulifE lestitio! ihat
he visited the Pryor ho-.i:;e on Sun-
day after the murder; interviewed
members of the family, ue said, and
they seemed inclined to avoid dis-
cussion of the affair; they knew no
motive for the murder, and knew of
no enemies of the murdered man.
Ben Pryor, another son, testified ir
s\ibstance the same as that given by
his brother Charles. Grover Pryor,
the eleven-year-old son who slept
with his parents on the ni.arht of the
murder, testified that his father slept
on the west side of the bed; that he
(Grover) slept next to him and his
mother on the other side; said he
was awakened by a noise and called
to his mama and asked: "Did you
hear that noise?" "Mama took her
head from under the cover," he said
"I thought I heard something, I be
lieve I smell powder. Mama called
napa and took hold of his arm," Gro-
ver continued, "but could not waken
him; mama then called .\rthur, called
him two or three times before he an-
swered: she told Arthur she believed
father was killed and told him to
get a light. Arthur got up and looked
in pana's face and said. 'I believe I
see blood.' Arthur went to the
kitchen sayinEr. as he wnnt. 'The
doors are nl' wide open.' We return-
ed with the light, and holding it close
to pana's face, said: 'Somebody has
shot pana.' Mama got nn and called
to Charley and P"n. who wore sleep-
ing up stairs: Charley and Arthur
—ent to tell brothe>-'= Gi^orge and

THE BIG AlcKIXLHY KALLBV
October 18, lilOO, looking west on Gallatin Street. The N'andalia
Rough Rider Drum Corps is leading the procession. Senator \V. E.
Mason, Ex-Gov. Filer and C.G. Dawes were the prineiiial speakers.

John; the family was all home that
night and we played checkers till
bed time. Charley and Den slept up
stairs and Arthur slept in the bed
next to the one occupied by papa and
mama and me. I don't know who
killed papa." The nevt witness was
.John Pryor, but nothing of impor-
tance was elicited. Dr. C. A. Hi.gin-
liotom testified as to the result of
the autopsy whic'^ he made upon the

'''red man. He showed th^

rection the bullet too'.- after entering
the eye. The b"llet was a. ?,2 caliber
=bort. which was tbp size of the bul-
let used in the rifle which Artb^r
Prvor had borrowed from Slid< ''
Pryor on Thursday before the u! "-

RESIDENCE OF WI

North Fi

LLIAM SONNEM.-^NN.

fth Street.

''or Slidell Pryor testified that Ar-
thur had borrowed his .gun on Thurs-
day before the murde'- for the pur-
pose of goin.g hunting: the gun had
never been rpturned. Fred Wasmuth
""ri Harry Mabry, who were m"-
hers of the coroner's .iury, testified
as to the nosition of the body at the
time the inquest was held and the
condition of the bed. Each testified
ti^at tbe I'ody lay dia.gonally across
the bed ; that the bed on the right
■side did not have the appearance of
'i"viii" been slept in; that the pillow
did pot appear to have been used.
George Prvor. son of the m\irdered
man. Mrs. Pryor and B. L. Brown tes-
tified in behalf of the defense. Mr.
Brown's evidence simply related to
nieasurempnt" of the room where the
murder wa=: committed. George Pry-
or's evide"" was of little importance
and that of his mother was merely a
repetition 'if what '"'■ son Grover
'-".1 rr^iat '1. Mrs. Pryor told her
story in a st"aisbf-forwarrl manner
calculated to imrress the audience
of her inT>c=>uce of the charge made
aerainst her.

.^fter hear'u"- all the evidence, thi'
attornevs submitted the case to
.Judee Turner without argument, and
he. after carefully reviewing the ca^e,
stated that the evidence was not, iu
his opinion sufficient to warrant
him in holding Mrs. Pryor to tb''
grand jury, and ordered the accused
woman dischs'-ged from custody. .Ar-
thur Pryor was never brought to
trial. His ca?e was several times
taken up by the grand jury, but no
indictment was ever rendered. With
this ended th" Pryor murder case,
which up to this time still remains
as great a mvsterv to those familiar
witii the s'lr-oundinP's as it was tbf
day the c ime was c mimittcd.

108

SOU\'E.\IR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

Vandalia Light d Fuel
Company.

By D. M. CLARK.

In the latter part of the year 1SS7,
Judge Jacob Foiike and myself
chanced to be sitting on the steps of
the court house talking over the ef-
forts of the citizens of Vandalia to
reach coal, when the Judge suggested
that as we had been un^iccessful in
thii venture we o-ight to bore for oil
or natural gas. which was at that
time being fo'nd in paying quantities
in Ohio and Indiana. For some time
it had been known that oily seaps or
springs existed in different places in
this county, and Judge Fonke be^
lieved the indications warranted bor-
ing here in Vandalia. We talked the
matter over and finally got some
other well known citizens interested,
among whom were Fred Remann,
James M. Whiteman, Geo. A. A.
Dieckmann. Joseph Urbani and
Henry A. Stone. F. M. Cox made a
proposition that if a franchise could
be secured for a company to light
or heat Vandalia, or both, depend-
in,? on whether they struck oil or
gas, they would put up the money to
pay for the boring. The writer
brought the matter to the attention
of the city council, which body with-

RESIDENCE OF HON P. FIELD.

Secretary of State frotn 1829 to 184.0. Situated

North-west corner of Fourth and Johnson.

out delay granted to Geo. W. Brown
and myself a franchise granting ihe
exclusive right to light and heat the
city with gas or other kind of liglit
or fuel tor a period of forty years
With this franchise as a basks, the
Vandalia Light and Fuel CompTiiy
was organized under the statutes
with the men named above as the

VANDALLV ELEC I KIC LICIIT CD'S. LOWlvK HOUSE.

first stockholders with a capital
stock of $2,000. A practical well-
borer was procured from West Vir-
ginia and a well bored on the west
end of lot 8, block 12 in Vandalia.
This well wasi bored through the
trenton rock, in which the gas and
oil are found, to a depth of over 1500
feet, but neither gas or oil in any-
thing like paying quantities were
found. A vein of very fine quality
of coal about seven feet in thickness
was struck at a depth of 690 feet,
and .great quantities olf salt water,
so salt that a gallon would make a
pint of salt. Neither gas or oil hav-
ing been struck in paying quantities
thou.gh the boring had cost about
$2,000, there seemed nothing further
to be done, when a gentleman named
Atterbury. a traveling salesman for
the Thompson-Ho'iston Electrical Co.,
which was then in its infancy, hap-
pened in Vandalia in March 1S89, and
called at the office of Gochenour and
Dieckmann and stated his business.
He was sited to the company, which
bad been boring for gas and oil.
Mr. Atterbury came to see the writer,
who soon began making efforts to
organize the Vandalia IJght and Fuel
Company into a company sufficiently
'arge to build an electric light plant.
The capital stock was increased to
.■512.000 in 120 shares of $100 each.
When about $5 800 of this stock had
been subscribed the matter seemed
Pbout to fall through, because no one
could be found to take the remainder
of the stock. A meeting was held
and not another share could be sold,
when the writer said he would take
the balance of stock rather than see
Mip pro.ject fail. 1 soon disposed of a
1 lock of niv stock to J. J. Brown.
Jtulge AV. M. Farmer. J. A. Bingham
,"nd John Helbock, and with these
.gentlemen and those before nention-
ed as stockholders, the comp -ny was

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILL1X(J1S.

1U9

Vandalia WaLlerworks

'OLD VANDALIA FLUL'KiM, AllLL.
Erected in 1856 by Duncau and Charles Fdinson, at the corner of Sixth
and Gallatin Streets. Destroyed by tire December, 1895. At the time it
was burned the business was conducted by Geo. H. Martin. The mill
was never rebuilt In the foreground, reading from left to right, are
C. F.Johnson, George H. Martin, "Dode" Johnson and Cyrus Tuttle.

at once re-organized with the writer
as president, Henry A. Stone, Secre-
tary; Geo. A. A. Dieckmann, Treas-
urer, and F. M. Cox, John Gochen-
our, Joseph Urbani, John J. Brown
and James M. Whiteman, directors.
A committee was sent to various
cities to investigate the different sys-
tems of electric lighting, which were
all new at that time. Two lots were
bought where the plant now stands
in block 49, and the contract let in
July. 1SS9, to the Westinghouse Elec-
tric Co., for the machinery. The
writer was elected superintendent,
and on the 15th day of August ground
was broken and work begun on the
power house; and on the 15th of the
following January, the plant was
started, just eight yers after the first
electric light had been put to prac-
tical use in the United States. Not
one city in thirty in the country had
electric lights at that time, so that
old Vandalia in one thing at least,
was abreast of the times. The ma-
chinery was good, the plant well built
and for seven years had the best rec-
ord for continuous service and ef-
ficient light of any plant in the
United States, taking into considera-
tion its size. In 1S93, the business
had grown to s'lch an extent that the
plant had to be doubled in size, and
now needs enlarging to this extent
again, Fred Remann was presider-t
of the company from March, 1890.
till his death in 1894. when John
Gochenour succeeded to the office.
which he still holds. The writer
served as Superintendent and Secre-
tary from March, 1890. to January 1.
190a. Charles H. Clark held the

same position from January 1, 190.1,
to July 1, 1902. Wilson Haley was
foreman of the plant from 1890 to
i;;o3; B. F. Henry, foreman from
1890-95. Miss Anna Clark was book-
keeper and collector from 1891 to 190ii.
The plant now represents an out-
lay of $25,000. The present officers
are: John Gochenour, President;
Geo. A. A. Dieckmann. Secretary;
\Vm. JI. Fogler has served as Treas-
urer from 1890 to the present time.
J. F. Hibbits is the present Superin-
tendent, and John J. Brown, John A.
Bingham, Frank C. Eckard, Chas. H.
Blackwell. Mrs. Jennie R. Higgins
and Geo. A. Dieckmann, the present
Board of Directors.

On Friday evening, August 3, 189;!,
a mass meeting was held at the court
house in Vandalia to take the sense
of the citizens in regard to the erec-
tion of water works. The meeting
was called t(j <jrder by Mayor Stein-
hauer, wuo liad iss lo.l the call. Ex-
Mayor John E. Rode was chosen
chairman and T. N. i_a'.>in, secretary.

Mayor fcteinhauer rtatcd the object
uf the meeting and on liis motion a
sense of the meeting was taken as to
whether iliu citize.TS desired water
works or iml which was unanimous-
ly decided in the affirmative.

Discussion uf the iiiiettion was then
called for, and Mr. C. R. Wills op-
posed on the giound ot grievous tax-
es, which wo'ild result. Mayor Stein-
hauer favored water works earnestly
b\it thought they should be owned
and controlled by a company. F. M.
Guinn was earnest in behalf of the
system and thought Vandalia could
erect them cheaper than our sister
cities on account of our peculiarly fa-
vorable conditions. Mr. Daniel M.
Clark, having given the subject a
great deal of thought and research
gave the audience many practicle
hints on the subject and earnestly fa-
vored the system on some feasable
plan.

Dr. Haller spoke from a sanitary
point and urged their erection.

B. W. Henry was for water works,
but thought we could get them cheap-
er and better by placing their erec-
tion in the hands of a responsible
company than to have the city as-
sume the responsibility.

Dr. R. T. Higgins wanted to be un-
derstood that he was in favor of
water works first, last and all the
time.

Hon. F. Remann did nor want it
'inderstood that he was opposed, but
feared we were not ready for the en

iX-ALDEI<\LAN PEI'Hk PEkRVS ULACKS.MITH SHOP.
East Gallatin Street.

110

VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

JAMES ALEXANDER,

Democratic Nominee tor Cii-cuit

Cleric in 1904.

CORTEZ HOLMAN

Elected County Surveyor in 1900;

renominated in Spring, 1904.

ROBERT G. SCHEURER,
Prominent Hardware and Implement Dealer,

terprise. On motion a resolution was
concurred in recinestiug the city to
appoint Mayor Steinhauer, Daniel M.
Clark and W. M. Little a committee
to investigate various systems oi
water works in the state and that the
city pay the expenses of said com-
mittee while prosecuting such inves-
tigation out of the city treasury.

Various meetings were held after-
wards but nothing tangible resulted
until 1897, whe;i the city council took
action in the matter which can best
be told in the following article pre-
pared by the Hon. Geo. D. Steinhauer:
Vandalia Water Works.

Vandalia can boast of one of the
best systems of water works in the
state of Illinois, equipped with both
steam and gasoline power. In 1897,
the city council then composed of
Geo. D. Steinhauer, mayor; J. H.
Browning, Wm. Ireland, W. F. Smith.
M. C. Hermann, .Julius L. Schulte anil
Daniel Kellcy. alilermeu. entered into
a contract with C. A. Stookey, of
Belleville, 111., to put in a steam jila-
with one Worthington pump, with a
capacity of 750,ii(mi gallons to pump
against 220 foot head using 80 lbs. of
steam in boiler with a stand pipe of
a capacity of Hu.OOO gallons. Power
house and pump pit of brick ami
crib in river. Fire hydrants size of
main 12, 10, S and 6 inches, all com-
plete and ready for use for the sum
of $11,37.5.00. This plant only cover-
ed a part of the city and in 1900 the
balance of the city was covered with
mains, giving a complete fire protec-
tion to the c-itire city. In 1902 the

city put in a gasoline engine of the
Fairbanks-Morse make with a capa-
city of 750,000 gallons at a cost of
$2,800.00 and b"ilt an additional
pump pit for same.

The rates for water are as low as
the lowest, giving every one the op-
portunity and benefit of cheap water
rates. A crib is built in the Kaskas-
l;ia river, one-half mile north of the
city, from which the supply of water

is taken. There is always an abun-
dant supply of soft water of best
quality. As the city had no funds
with which to build water works,
bonds were issued to the amount of
$11,000.00, payable in 5, 10 and 15
years, bearing interest at the rate of
6 per cent per annum. These bonds
were sold at a premium of $2,000.00
and no additional tax is levied to pay
said bonds as the water rates pay all

a^aantilii iTHiIiiAmIii I ■•'yy

't'1f"ig'l»"r'il"r'f T" j'i"«-'-'^««°»'i"fcp<ifii

STAXDAKU C()(jFI-KAGH & LUMBER CO.

Proprietors, G. G. Manniii<r, President; C. E. Clark, Vice President;

F. C. Jolinson, Treasurer; G.J. Armstrong, Sec'y. and Mgr.

S(JL'\ liXIU nl< VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

Ill

J. J. PRATER,

Secretary Vaiulalia Mutual C't)iiiUy

Fire Insurance Co. of Vandalia.

W. E. MILLER,

Assistant Secretary V'audaKa Mutual

County Fire Insurance Co.

O. L. BROWN,

Vice President ol the Vandalia .Mu-
tual County Fire Insurance Co.

running expenses and also pay the
bonds as they fall due, and money
into the treasury besides.

The power house is situated on a
13 acre lot in the northeastern part
of the city upon which is situated a
fine house used by the engineer as a
residence. The grounds have been
set out in trees and in a few years
the city will have a beautiful park.
Vandalia can well boast of its system
of water works.

•faycttc County Medical Society.

Kv A. L. T. Wu.I.lAM^. M. II,

The Fayette County Medical Soci-
ety was organized Febr-'ary 4th. 1903.

The first officers were: Dr. Moses
Haynes, of Bingham, President; Dr.
L. L. Murey, Vandalia, Vice Presi-
dent; Dr. A. L. T. Williams, Vanda-
lia, Secretary; Dr. F. M. Entrekin,
vandalia. Treasurer. The society is
in aflaiiation with the Illinois State
Medical Society and since its organi-
zation meetings have been held quar-
terly, and many valuable papers have
been read by the members and visit-
ing physicians. The present officers
are: Dr. E. W. Brooks, of St. Elmo,
President; Dr. Moses Haynes, of
Bingham, Vice President; Dr. A. L.
T. Williams, V'andalia, Secretary;
and Dr. H. D. Smith, of Vandalia,
Treasuici-.

LIVERY AND SALE STABLES

Dovle & Emmerick, Prop's.

Owners of Tyman, record 2:16i/4, and Ketta S., record 2:12. Both

horses stand immediatelv in front of the stable door.

Va.nda.lia Mutual County
Fire Insurance Co.

Bv VV. E. MILLLK.

The; Vandalia Mutual County Fire
Insurance Company was charter-
ed March 29, 188S, and organized
April 7, 18SS, with forty-seven mem-
bers with insurance aggregating $54,-
UUO, for the purpose of securing their
own insurance at actual cost. The
first board of directors were: W. IVl.
Fogler, W. H. Parks, Joshua Arnold,
I. M. Little, Robert Turner, J. W.
Schwarm, H. H. Smithson, Washing-
ton Burgess and Rodey Kelly. The
first organization was as follows: W.
M. Fogler, President; Rody Kelly,
Vice President; N. H. Melton, Secre-
tary and I. M. Little, Treasurer.

The territory in which the company
is authorized to do business embraces
Fayette County solely. The company
has been doing business for the last
sixteen years, and has grown from
forty-seven members with $54,(JUU
insurance to seventeen hundred mem-
bers with $1,400.0UU of insurance.
The late L. W. Miller was the Com-
pany's secretary and solicitor from
June 30, 1890, to April 26, 1899. After
his death the Company elected J. J.
Prater secretary and W. E. Miller as-
sistant secretary. The present board
of directors are: W. M. Fogler, Jacob
Ritter, O. L. Brown, J. C. Bowles, D.
M. Whitten, Geo. C. Mattes, Adam
Stein, Jr. and Daniel Logue. The
present officers are: Jacob Ritter,
President; O. L. Brown, Vice Presi
dent; J. J. Prater, Secretary; W.
E. Miller, Assistant Secretary and J.
C. Bowles, Treasurer. The Companj
is strong and safe and liberally pat-
ronized by the citizens of Fayette
County.

112

The Vandalia Fire
Company ^iiz:

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

The first attempt to organize a
fire company in Vandalia appears to
have occurred on March U. 1SG2. It
appears hy the town recorus that on
the night of March 4, V'andalia was
visited by a very destructive fire,
and that in consequence, a call meet-
ing of the Board oi '1 r ;stees was
held March G. 1862. two days after
the fire. The following i3 a copy of
the record of that meeting towit:

"The Board of Trustees of the
Town of Vandalia, met pursuant to
a call of the President, with the fol-
lowing members preseni: Henry
!■". Jerauld, president; j. W. Ross,
clerk; John Piaser, treasurer; An-
drew Heiz. James Cater.

Owing to the late aestruction of
wooden buildings, and other property
by fire, quite a number of citizens
were in attendance upon the Board,
to discuss, and have an ordinance
passed, requiring all buildings here-
after to be erected around the pub-
lic square, to be of brick. The sub-
ject was mentioned, but there being
a decided aversion on the part of the
Board to pass any such arbitrary, and
unreasonable laws, no action was ta-
ken in the matter.

The subject of procuring an engine
for the use of the town, was brought
up. and citizens Jenkins. McCurdy.
Henry, Goodale. Johnson. Lewis and
Sonnemann discussed the matter
after which the Board decided, that it
was imprudent to undertake the mat-
ter now, as our means are limited.
and thereupon decided not to form a
fire company, unless the cit'zens s'lb-
scribe liberally for the sirrc.

RESIDEiNCE OF A. P. SMITH.

North First Street.

On motion it was ordered that
three ladders, one ten feet long, one
fifteen feet long, and one twenty-five
feet long, be procured for the use
of the corporation, in case of fire;
also six good honks with pikes and
fifty feet of one and one-balf inch
rope, and that Henry P. Jerauld pro-
cure the same out of good material
at a fair and reasonable price."

It will be seen by the foregoing
that our city dads in tliose days were
very economical. They always knew
the amount of money they had in the
treasury, and never spent any more
than that amount, knowing if they
did that would be the last of them po-
litically.

tri those days they used to flghl
fires with water buckets, and axes.

K1-.SI1)1-;.\L'B OF GEO. i!. LWl'l'S.
North Fil'tli Street.

If a fire broke out. it was an unwrit-
ten law. that every merchant in town
would throw open his store, and fur-
nish all the Blue Wooden Pails he
had. then a crowd would form in a
line from the nearest well or cistern,
and pass the buckets along the line
to the fire, and it was wonderful what
good work they did, saving many a
place from burning. All that was nec-
essary to urge them on to work hard-
er was for some one to cry out "boys,
that place belongs to the widow
Brown. Jones, or Smith, as the case
might be. and a renewed effort would
be made to save the widow's prop-
erty, and it was generally successful.
In those days a widow was looked
upon with genuine sympathy, but if
any one should attempt to urge the
fire company up now by any such
means, the boys would say, "Oh!
well, she's no better than any one
else, and continue to throw the water
on the side where there was no fire.
Several fire companies have organi-
zed and disbandedi since 1862. of
which no record is obtainable. The
present fire company was orgmized
under the state law. October 1.5,
ISSfl, and wa^ composed of the fol-
I'^wing oflicers and members, viz;

William C. Little. Chief.

John E. Lynd. First Assistant.

J. D. Schulte, Second Assistant.

John E. Rode. Treasurer.

F. E. Bartlett, Secretary.

C. H. Washburn, Assistant,

Pirectors — Alexander Peed,
M, Enck. F. E. Bartlett, T. M.
baugh, Chas. H. Washburn.
'=^chulte. W. W. Hulser.

Members — ^George Ralston. Emil
Stamm. George Schmidt. Wm. F. Mil-
ier, C, F. Emmel. Ira Snyder, A, G.
Wall, E. H. W'est. Jas. A. Phillips.
Samuel Houston. John Bush. John
tiuffey.

This company was eqiiijiped '.'ith

John

Stoni-
J. '{.

SOUX'ENIR OF VANDAIJA. ILLINOIS.

11.^

E. MCGREGOR,

Who has followed JIarble Cutting for

over fifty-five years.

J. R. MYERS,
Ex-Aldeiniaii, 2d Ward, and tor many
years couuected with the Geo. A. A.
DieclvHiann Real Estate Finn.

\\li.i.lAjM l^ANK CARSON,
.\ Prominent Farmer, and the First
.Man to uurouuce Thoroughljryl
Sloclv Into Fayette County.

I lie following apparatus, towit: One
hand engine, one hose cart, one hook
and ladder wagon, and about one
thousand feet of hose..

From the time of the organization
of this company up to the summer of
18!)7, the only means of procuring
water in cases of fire, was by three
public cisterns on Gallatin street,
and private wells and cisterns. Since
which time we have a complete sys-
tem of water works with direct pres-
sure, which reaches nearly every part
of the city. During the time this
company has been in existence, it has
been called out fifty times and has
always responded promptly and did
excellent service.

Among the most noted fires at
which they have officiated are;

The burning of Dieckmann and
Stouts store, in December, 1890,

The burning of Murray's store,
1891.

The burning of Haller and Higfn-
bottom store l)uilding, January 25,
1895,

The burning of George A, Martin's
mill, December 22, 1895.

The burning of John Kelly's store
building, January .31, 1896,

The burning of the Cathol'c church
and school house, January 18th, 1897.
The burning of the Jt. E. cbiircb,
March 17, 1899.

The burning of Mrs. Remann's res-
idence, January 28, IBHO.

The Vandalia five dorarrmert hn<
done valiant service and is entitleil
to the commendation of nil our c!t-
zens. They have nev- failed to re-
spond when called o -t tio difference
what kind of weather it was, cold,
hot, sleet, rain, or snow. It stan.is
second to no company of its class in
the state.

The following is a complete list of

iis officers and members at the pres-
ent time:

J. Will Ritter, Chief.

Chas. Higgins, First Assistant.

Samuel Ruttedge. Second Assistant,

Jonh M, Enck, Treasurer.

p'rank Morlock. Secretary.

Chas. Redmond, Steward,

Directors— J. R. Schulte, C. H.
Washburn, W. B. Ray. T. M. Stom-
baugh, Chas. Higgins, Chas. Red-
mond, Frank .Morlock,

Members — Ezekiel Roe, A. J,
Cleary, H. L. Cleary, J. Steinhauer,
I, M, Oglesby, J. W. Easterday.

Its apparatus consists of louu feet
of new standard hose, three hose

carts and one hook and ladder wagon.
The fire laddies appeared in their
new suits for the first time a few
days previous to the issuing of this
work, when they stood before the
camera for a picture for Historic Van-
dalia, which appears on another page.
The clothes are simply perfection in
fit. and the boys, every one of them,
look the brave fire-fighters that they
are in their regttlation fireman's garb.
Everybody ought to be. and is, proud
of the Vandalia Volunteer Fire De-
partment, and now with their nobby,
new suits the Ijoys have a metropoli-
tan air that they never before pos-
sessed.

RESIDB.XCli Ul- JOlL\ l-'KOST.

114

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

KESIDENCii

East M,

By Frank 1. Hknkv.

The citizens ot Vaudalia liave al-
ways been noted as a musical com-
munity. Few cities in Illinois have
Ijroduced as many vocalists and in-
strumentalists in proportion to their
population as Vandalia. It is well
nown that a band of practical musi-
cians can always furnish an orches-
tra, and Vandalia has always been
able to demonstrate this fact. There-
fore, we will take up the band his-
tory of the post-bellum Vandalia,
knowing that by so doing, all branch-
es of harmony will fall in line.

Previous to the Rebellion, Vandalia
had developed but few musicians. A
small band, with a vacillating mem-
bership, had been maintained, out
with poor success. In the winter of
1873-4 a band was organized with W.
J. Weber as leader. Among the mem-
bers were: F. C. Humphrey. J. F.
Sayles, Warren McCord, Jas. Oliver.
Abraham Shonk, H. E. Wilson, James
P. Heavey. Charles Heavey, Wm. Mc-
Cord. Chas. C. MoCord. C. L. A. John-
son. F. I. Henry. Jas. R. Hankins.

From this nucleus in 1878 Band-
master Weber organized and incorpo-
rated under state charter the Van-
dalia cornet band, W. J. Weber, Pres
ident; J. A. Mollison. Vice President;
F. I. Henry. Secretary; J. F. Sayles.
Treasurer. Membership: W. J.

Weber, J. A. Mollison. G. D. Steiii-
hauer. F. C. Hermann. Jas. Oliver, Jas.
Hankins, J. P. Heavey. Chas. Heavey.
Louis C. McCord. F. I. Henry. M. F.
Moss, Ezra Jenkins, J. F. Sayle-.

A complete equipment of fine U. S.

OF T. C. MILLS,
fiilison Street.

Regulation uuilorms and a set of C.
G. Conns Artist Model Silver instvu-
nieuts were bought, the deficiency in
the treasury for the purchase of the
outfit being supplemented l)y an un-
solicited loan by Hon. Chas. C. Wag-
ner. This was repaid in less than one
year, from band earnings.

The services of this band were in
demand throughout all of South Cen-
tral Illinois, and unstinted commenda-
tion and compliment were the re-
sults of its every trip; appointed at
headquarter's at each State Mili-
tia Encampment; winning first prize
for Brass Bands at the State Vete-
rans' Encampment at Bloomington. in
1881. Between 18S4 and 1890 nearly
one-half of the original members re-
nroved from the cily, and Band busi-
ness was at a corapirative standstill
until 1902, when a reorganization was
effected, and the Vandalia Concert
"ind is now the pride of the city.

Vandalia Levee^and
Drainage District

By J. H. WJL-BIi.

AJIONG the modern improvements
of Fayette County planned and
Linuer construction at this time,
wnicn will enter largely into the fu-
ture history of its uevelopment and
progress, and probably with far
reaching effect, beneficial to the
county IS ■lUe Vanaaiia i^evee ana
urainage jjisinci, ' now organized
tiuuer tue laws of the state.

Fayette County is crossed diagon-
ally by me KaskasKia Kiver, wmcu
torms LUe urainage outlet lor the ricn
corn lands of Coles, Champaign,
Piatt, Moultrie and Shelby coaiiiieo,
uy reason oi whicn it possesses one
of the must fertile river valleys in
lae state.

This valley extends across B^ayeite
County on a straight line about fifty
miles, and is from one to four miles
wide. The river banks form the east-
ern boundary of the city of Vandalia
and nearly one-half of Vandalia town-
ouip lies within the river bottoms,
ine lands along this river are sub-
ject to annual overnows at irregular
periods each year, and for this reason
but little or no attention has been
given to them in the past, although
for years ever since Vandalia was
the capital of the State men have
talked and planned to protect and re-
claim them. In 1S79, a small district
was organized under the law at that
time, having as its object the drain-
age and protection ol about 3,500
acres of these lands lying just south
of the National Road in Vandalia
Township. This district was known
as ■'Okaw Drainage District No. 1."
Under this organization the improve-
ment was estimated to co?t $25,423,
at an average cost of $7.66 per acre.
No actual work was ever done out-
side of that done by the engineer.

'■•-.-s-r- • t< .

-*^^' ' '^^^''^'^^

^^1^

' ^

^^^B^'"^. ^pvf^^§

i^T

[ ^ /'

^^^^^m

'mr

■ ^'.'^^^^slra

^L^"*?

*^-„

' ««£«. ,7. * '" , •■ - "< ..*,

'..•■. "''X-i'i

WEBER'S OLD MILITAKV HAND.

Reading from left to right, sitting: Ezra Jenkins, Chas. Heavey, Reece McKnight,
J. F. Sayles, Geo. D. Steinliauer. Standing- James Heavey. Frank I. Henry, Jas.
Hankins. \V. J. Weber, Joe Mollison, Wilson Carmack, James O.iver, John Kurtz.

SOUVEXIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

115

and Ihe assessment of damages and
benefits, which were approved by the
court, and afterwards lay dormant in
the court till 1S91, when an order of
disoliitiun was entered by the court,
disolving the District.

After the organization of "Okaw
Drainage District No. 1" in lS7;i, D.
iM. Clark leveed against the river east
of Vandalia and between the grades
of the National Road and the I. C. R.
R. : C. C. Wagner commenced to levee
against the river on a tract of land
east of the river and west of the I. C.
R. R. which was afterwards taken up
by John McConnall and continued by
C. R. Wills, who extended the work
south and then east to the grade of
the I. C. R. R., making the first tract
of land in the river bottom in Fay-
ette County completely surrounded
by a bank of earth, leveeing against
river and back water. H. A. Ross,
of Chicago, in 19iiO and 1901, leveed
a tract of about 200 acres south of
the National Road. These efforts
were only partially successful and
were confined to Vandalia Township,
but they demonstrated the necessity
and practicability of leveeing and
draining a large area of these lands.
Owing to death and other causes the
ownership of this bottom land to a
large extent has passed to the hands
of other men. After the floods of
1902 it was determined to effect the
protection and drainage of all the
lands lying east of the river, from a
point in Sefton Township on Linn
Creek, south to Pecon Island in Kas-
kaskia Township, having an area of
about 13,000 acres. To this end a
number of public meetings were held
at the court room in Vandalia during
the year 1902, to devise ways and
means, and to interest the people in
the accomplishment of this work. A
voluntary subscription was made by
a number of owners of the lands in
the proposed district to employ a civil

KKSIUENCH OF MISS
Fifth S

engineer to make preliminary sur-
veys. T. T. Weaver, a civil engineer
of Covington, Kentucky, was em-
ployed to make these surveys, which
he made in the fall of 1902 and as
made reported and found in the main
satisfactory to the land owners, who
at once appointed a committee of
three, composed of D. M. Clark, John
H. Webb and J. K. Webster, to draft
proper petition for the organization
of a Levee and Drainage District,
which was done and filed in the
county court on the 11th day of
March, 1903. Signed by 83 land own-
ers, owning about 9,000 acres in the
proposed district, and on the 2nd
day of May, 1903, the court appoint-
ed D. M. Clark, George F. Snerly
and W'm. E. Ryan, commissioners,
who" entered upon their duties at
once. They employed J. W^ Dappert,
of Taylorville. 111., civil engineer, and

W. W. SHON'K'S RUTCHFR BLOCK TL.VNT.

LUCY SONNEMANN.
treet.

John H. W'ebb, of Vandalia, 111., at-
torney. On the 3rd of August, 19o3,
the commissioners filed their report
in court, which provided for about
15 miles of levee and about 17 miles
of ditching, changing Hickory Creek,
Overcup Creek, Camp Creek and
Sandy Run at points where these
creeks strike the river bottoms, as
well as straightening the river at cer-
tain points, the estimated cost being
$90,545.00. On the ISth day of Sep-
tember, 1903, the court entered a de-
cree approving the report and form-
ally organizing the district and ap-
pointing the same gentlemen co,
missioners to make assessments.
This work was completed by the
commissioners and on the 23rd day
of February, 1904, an order was en-
tered confirming the same. On the
28th day of June, 1904, contracts were
let for grading and ditching and work
actualy commenced on the 5th of
July, 1904, by D. E. Murry, of Pana.
111., who had contract for levee from
the Vandalia Railroad north about
1 1-2 miles. The ditches are to be
cut by dredge boats and is calculated
to take about 18 months after work
begins to complete the construction
This work when completed will
open up and develop as fine farm
lands as there are any where. The
production of broom corn upon these
lands promises to be one of the com-
ing industries of this county. N. B.
Vanderhoff may be said to be the
pioneer in this field. He now has a
crop of 800 acres as fine as any
growing in the state, and within
three weeks of harvesting. The
work undertaken by the Vandalia
Levee and Drainage District is only
the beginning of a series of general
improvements, which are now formu-
lating at Vandalia and vicinity and it
can be safely predicted that within
the next five years there will be a
vast amount of leveeing and drain-
ing done in this county.

11(5

SOUVENIR OF VANDAIJA, ILLINOIS.

GEORGE A. ivUivlZ,

A Prominent Merchant, member of

firm of T. N. Pitkin & Co.

A. C. WAl.'iEil.

Six terms asses.sor for Vandalia fowii-

sliip, reelected spring of 19U4.

N. B. VANDERHOOF,
Extensive land owner and pioneer
broom corn man of Fayette County.

Fraternal Societies

OF VANDALIA

■prcc IMaaons of Tandalta.

U\ T. N. PI I KLi\.

THE first lodge of Masons in Van-
dalia was organized under a dis-
pensation from Grand Lodge of Mis-
souri, April 26tli, 1822, under the
name of Vandalia Lodge No. S with
the following officers and members:
James M. Duncan, Worshipful Mas-
ter; John Warnoch, Senior Warden:
W. L. Bwing, Junior Warden, Joseph
Enos, John C. Kellogg, Moses K.
Batsford and E. C. Berry.

On Monday, December ath, 1S22,
pursuant to a call from the eiaht
Mason lodges in the State, there was
held in Vandalia a convention for the
purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge
of Masons of Illinois. They proceed-
ed to elect the following as their
first Grand Officers; Gov. Shadrach
Bond, Grand Master; John V. Saw-
yer; Grand Senior Warden; \Vm. M.
Alexander, Grand Junior Warden;
Richard T. McKnnies, Grand Secre-
tary; James O. Wattles, Grand Treas-
urer.

The first commiuiical ion of this
Grand Lodge was held at Vandalia,
in December, 1823, when it was for-
mally organized and its officers in-
stalled by R. W. Bro. George H. C.
Melody, G. Master of the Grand
Lodge of Missouri.

At the annual coniminiication of
this Grand Lodge in December, 1824,
Vandalia Lodge, having r.iirrendered
its charter to the Grand Lodge of
Missouri, was gr,n;ited a charter
\'nder the name of Vandalia l-odgi'
No. 5.

Another communication of this
Grand T^odge is recorded as bein,:;

Iield in the State House in Vandalia.
in January, 1826. The lodges work-
ing under the jurisdiction of this
Grand Lodge were located as follows:

Western Star, No. 1, at Kaskaskia.

Laurance, No. 2, at Shawneetown.

Libanus, No. 3, at Edwardsville.

Olive Branch, No. 4, at Upper Al-
ton.

Vandalia, No. 5, at Vandalia.

Union, No. 6, at Jonesboro.

Eden, No. 7, at Corrington.

Hiram, No. 8, location not known.

Albion, No. 9, at Albion.

Palestine, No. 10, location not
known.

Green. No. 11. at Carrollton.

lllion. No. 12, location not known.

Frontier, No. 13, at Lewiston, Ful-
ton County.

l^aFayette No. 14, location unknown.

Sangamon, No. 15, at Springfield.

From 1828 to 1835, all is blank as
regards Free Masons in Illinois,
owing to the persecution of that
time. If any meeting was held or
work done it was so secretly that no
records are obtainable.

The present Lodge of Masons in
Vandalia was organized June 3t)th,
1838, under a dispensation from the
Grand Lodge of Missouri under the
name of Temperance Lodge No. 27
with the following officers: Wm.
Hodge, W. M.; John D. Gorin, S. W.,
N. M. McCurdy, J. W. ; R. K. Mc-
Laughlin. Treas.; Wm. Prentiss,
S'ec'>\: Thos. B. Heckinan, S. D.;
Moses Phillips. J. D. and Tyler pro
tem.

Ri;siIiliNCE OF MRS. |ULI.\ KHMANN.
Seventh Street.

SOTTVENIR OF X'ANIXALIA. ILLINOIS.

117

F, C. HUMPHREY,
Pharmacist and head of Humphrey
Drug and Bool; Firm, oldest house
of the liind in Fayette County.

GEO. B. CAPPS,

E.\-Ahierman, Pharmacist, and l^rc

lirietor of The Capps Drug Store.

E. G. RIPLEV,
W'lio iicently succeeded .J. W. Schen-
lier in the furniture and undertali-
ing l)usiness.

The consideration of a new Grand
Lodge of Illinois originated in Tem-
perance Lodge. September 9th, 1S39.
when a resolution was adopted ap-
pointing a Committee consisting of
Wm. C. Greenup, Thos. B. Heckman
and A. Lee to correspond with lodges
in the state to call a convention to
be held in Vandalia December 27.
1S39. for the purpose of organizing
a Grand Lodge of Illinois. The con-
vention was subsequently held in
Springfield. Illinois, and the present
Grand Lodge of Illinois was organ-
ized.

On September 2f;th, 1842, this
Lodge passed the following resolu-
tion:

Whereas, It is deemed expedient
and proper that lodges within the
several states should be under the
jurisdiction of the respective Grand
Lodges of those states; therefore.

Resolved. That our representative
to the next annual communication of
the Grand Lodge of Missouri be in-
structed to respectfully ask Inave in
behalf of this lodge to be relieved
from the jurisdiction of the said
Grand Lod.ge for the pu:->ose of be-
coming subordinate *o tlie Grand
Lodge of Illinois.

On December 21st. 1842, this lodge
met and opened in due form, bavin™
received a charter, dated November
10th. 1842. from the Grand Lodge of
Illinois. The lodge Oo^pd as Tepi-
lierance Lodge No. 27 and immedi-
ately Oldened as Temnerance Lodge
No. 16. its nresenf name and numbe'-
with the followinp: officers: Henry C
Treas.: n. B. Hodge, Sec'y.; Moses
Phillips, Tyler,

The Iodide held reg -'ar moet'-™-
Remann, W. M.: Wm. Hfuige. S. W.:
John P. Hall, ,T. W ■ V. H. Pill,
until on accoimt of the removal of
the State Capital to Springfield. Ma-
soniV as well as '', other interests

in Vandalia were at a very low ebb.
riie lodge charter was surrendered
lo the Grand Lodge of Illinois.

Under the special efforts of Dr. N.
JI. i\IcCurdy the lodge was re-organ-
ized .lune 2111 h. 18.54, the Grand Mas-
ter returning them their charter,
which now hangs in their lodge room.
At this time the following brethren
were elected as officers: N. M. Mc-
Curdy, W. M.; Thos. B. Heckman,
S. W.; Wm. M. Coventry. J. W. ; H.
B. Bromwell. Sec'y.: Thos. G. Heck-
man. S. D.: Geo. W. :\liller, J. D.

Since this time the history of Tem-
perance Lodge has been one of suc-
cess and enterprise, its membership
being well represented among the
men who have contributed to the
best life and progress of this cit.v
and state. There are few of the old-

er members who were iirominent in
its earlier history now living. Among
Ihese veterans are the following with
the date on which they were made
;\laster Masons in Temperance
Lodge: Andrew Ray, July 26th,
18.57: James E. Foster, April 25th,
1864; R. T. Higgins, December 9th,
1864; John Henninger, February 5th.
1866; Samuel W. Rode, April 2nd,
1866; Joseph Rummel, March 25th,
1867; John Gochenour, April 8th.
1867.

The additions to the lodge during
the past ten years have been largely
of young men of good character,
which insures the high moral char-
acter this lodge has sustained from
the date of its organization.

The present officers for 19U4 are:
Eugene Stapp.M'. M.; \V. H. West.

'iwP!,,|pHii.i!|iiigP'-

RESIDENCE OF GORTON D. JEKACLD.
Corner South and fith Streets.

118

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. TT.T.TNOTS.

H. C. BRADSBY,

or Effingham, 111., a former resident

of Vandalia.

MRS. L. K. HOAR.
Woman prominent in ctiurch worl<

THOMAS J. BOLT,
Proprietor of Vandalia's Treading
Cafe, twice tiie republican nominee
for Sheriff of Fayette County.

S. W.; Jessie L. Laliin, J. W. ; Rev.
Montgomery May, Chaplain: A. S.
McKeller, Treas.; H. J. Gochenour
Sec'y.; Denny Bolt. S. D. ; Roy Chand-
ler, J. D.; Andrew Ray, Tyler.

A history of Masonry in Vandalia
would not be complete without the
names of Dr. F. B. Haller. who was
Worshipful Master of Temperance
Lodge for over ten years and of Rev.
Joseph Gordon, who was Secretary
for over a quarter of a century. To
these two veterans in Masonry, now
gone to their reward, is the frater-
nity largely indebted for the high
standing of Masonry in Vandalia. Of
those who have presided as Worship-
ful Master in Temperance Lodge who
are still living, are the following:
R. T. Higgins, Robt. W. Ross. T. N.
Pitkin, Dr. L. L. Morey, F. L Henry,
^ R. Bartlett, A. L.. Kirk and Eugene
Stapp.

I. O. O. f. in "Vandalta.

By C. h. DiNT.FS, Jr.

FRIENDS Lodge No. 122 was in-
stituted June 1, 1S53, with the
following charter members: James
W. Davis, A. D. Skearns, John Hop-
ton, John Waite and John M. Metone.
The first officers were: H. W. Good,
N. G.: H. P. H. Bromwell. V. G.; G.
F. Crocker, Secretary; O. Hewitt.
Warden; A. D. Skearns, O. S. G.; H.
F. Jerauld, Conductor; P. P. Williams
I. S. G.; F. S. Cremp, R. S. N. G.; J.
F. Mitchell. L. S. N. G.; S. E. Good-
rich, R. S. S.; John Cooper, L. S. S.:
J. H. Ross, R. S. V. G.; W. Pearce, L.
S. V. G.

In 1892. another lod.ge of Odd Fel-
lows was organized in Vandalia.
known as Vandalia Lodge No. 5(!2.
This lodge was instituted August :;L',

and had as charter members the fol-
lowing; C. C. Friddle, Tho.s. T. Pitt,
Frank P. Brown, M. L. Wilson. Gus
Brandelow, Jackson Hammel, T. P.
Hudson, R. S. Fram, Sr., B. L. Jones,
and C. F. Coleman. First officers
were: F. P. Brown, V. (}.; C. L.
Hammel. Recording Secretary; f>. L
Morey, Permanent Secretary: S. P.
Stout, Treasurer: W. W. Shonk, War-
den; G. E. Dieckmann. Conductor,
Gus Bandelow, L S. G.: G. W. Clouse,
R. S. S.; L. E. Mitchell., L. S. S. ;
George Andrews, R. S. N. G.: T. P.
Hudson, L. S. N. G. ; Warren Brown-
ing, R. S. V. G.: J. C. Bowles, L. S.
V. G. This lodge continued until
December 12, 1S9S, when both organ-
ixations were consolidated by Grand

Master M. P. Berry, under the name
of Vandalia Lodge No. 122, thus
dropping the name of the old lodge,
but retaining the number. The lodge
is in a flourishing condition with a
membership of 140 in good standing.
The present officers are: H. S. Tay-
lor. N. G.; Isaac Starnes, V. G. : C. L.
Pinges, Secretary.: C. F. Johnson,
Treasurer; L. Volberg. I. S. G. : E.
Moore, O. S. G.; R. S. N. G.; John F.
McElheney. L. S. N. G.; C. A. L.
Oglesby, R. S. V. G. : W. E. Miller.
L. S. V. G.: O. F. Barldey. R. S. S.;
Eli Foucht, L. S. S.: G. A. Schultz.

Vandalia has furnished two Grand
Masters, H. A. Stone, elected Novem-
ber. 1893. and J. J. Brown, elected
Novemlier 1903.

RESIDENCE OF C W. HAMPTON.

Snu\'FKTR OF \'ANDAT.TA. TT.TJNOTS.

no

NOiiVAL C. GOCHENOUR,
Clerk in office of Auditor of Freiglit
Receipts, I. C. R. R., Chicago, 111., a
Vandalia Product.

H. P. MANION,

Local Manager of The Standard Oil

Company.

JOHN HELBOCK, Jr.

An employe of the H. J. Heinz Pickle

Company, a Vandalia boy.

K. O. C M.

Bv BvRON Augustine.

MYSTIC Tent No. 109 Knights of
the Maccabees of the World
was organized June 19 1894, with
twenty-three members by Great Com-
mander Jas. F. Downer, of Chicago,
Illinois.

The first officers of this Tent were
as follows: Past Commander. T. N.
Pitkin; Commander, C. E. Capps;
liieutenant Commander. J. R. Schulte;
Record Keeper. B. W. Augustine;
Finance Keeper. P. C. Humphrey;
Chaplain, E. H. Cooke; Physician,
H. D. Smith; Sergeant. S. S. Houston;
Master at Arms, J. R. Myers; 1st.
Master of fruards, I. N. Leever; 2nd.
Master of Guards. A. D. Miller; Sen-
tinel. C. L. Rummel; Picket, J. M.
Enck.

The present membership is fifty-
five. This Tent has lost two mem-
bers by death since organization. C.
L. Hall and H. F. Abernethy.

The financial standing of the Tent
is good. The present officers are as
follows; Past Commander. M. J.
Harding; Commander, John Lilley.
Lieutenant Commander. C. E. Capps:
Record Keeper. B. W. Augustine; Fi
nance Keeper, Wm. Kasten; Chaplain.
J. W. Carmack; Physician. H. n.
Smith; Sergeant. J. M. Enck; Master
at Arms. J. F. Mammen; 1st Master
of Guards. C. H. Mills; 2nd Master ci
Guards, J. A. Bingham; Sentinel, J.
R. Schulte; Picket. Geo. Bingaman.

The Knights of the Maccabees is
one of the largest and strongest fra-
ternal beneficiary orders in the
world, having a membership of ovei'
five hundred thousand in ;e United
States i-nd Canada with a reserve
fund of over three million dollars.

Royal Chapter No. 136, Royal
Hrcb Masons.

Hv T. X. PMKIN.

VANDALIA Chapter No. 13(i, Royal
Arch Masons was instituted at
Vandalia March 3rd, 1869, with the
following charter members: R. T.
Hi.ggins. S. W. Rode, W. W. Walls,
J. C. Gerichs, Owen Duffy, F. B. Hal-
ler, J. N. McCord. C. W. Higinbotom,
H. F. Jerauld, T. M. James. S. C. Mor-
rison. W. W. Halford, H, S. Prater.
Lenord Rush, Henry Kasten. Simeon
Perkins, Isaac Barnett. R. N. Stur.gis,
Wilson Campbell.

This branch of Masonry has been
prosperous from its organization,
holding regular meetin,gs and in re-

cent years has grown materially in
membership of such high character
as insures a prosperous condition for
years to come. It has been honored
by the Grand Chapter of Illinois in
I he election of one of its members
Richard T. Higgins. to the office of
Grand Hi,gh Priest of this state. The
following are the officers of this
Chapter for 1904: T. N. Pitkin, E.
H. P.; B. F. Rexwinkle, King; T. N.
Lakin, Scribe; R. T. Higgins, C. of
H.; Eugene Stapp, P. S.; Geo. A.
Kurtz. Treas. ; F. I. Henry, Sec'y. ;
J. J. Brown. R. O. C; W. H. West, M.
Mrd v.; Denny Bolt, M. 2nd V.; F. L.
Rice. M. 1st V; Jos. Rummel. Sentinel.
Among the fraternal orders repre-
sented in Vandalia none have stood

RESIDENCE OF HENRY A. BINGAMAN.
South 7th Street.

120

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

PR. (tEOKc^E GREKK
One ot Vaiulalia's Prominent Physieians. A pra
titioner ofP'avette Co. for nearly fortv years.

D. L. TK.WIS.

One ol the leading Veterinary Surgeons of Payette

County.

higher than the Masons. As all or-
ders are judged by the outside world
by the lives and worth of its mem-
bers to the communities in which
they live, so have Temperance Lodge
and Vandalia Chapter stood the test
of years. Their attitude toward all
other orders has been of the most fra-
ternal feeling and among them has
no contention arisen "except that
noble contention or rather emulation
of who can best work and best agree."

Cradcs and Labor federation
dnion, No. 1 1 600.

THIS union was organized in this
city on JIarch. 3rd and 4th, 1904.
with the following charter members:
Frank Morelock, H. S. Taylor. W. R.
Anderson, A. W. Pfeifer, August
Himpeler. .lames A. Hagy, Pearl
Hagy. The officers were: Frank
Morelock, President; H. S. Taylor,
Vice President: James A. Hagy,

Secretary. The membership of this
organization has increased steadily
until now it numbers lis members in
good standing. Since the organiza-
tion of this union wages for common
lalior in this city have increased 25
per cent.

The recently elected officers of this
union are: Frank Morelock, Presi-
dent: Thos. Staley. Vice President;
H. S. Taylor, Secretary; F. Staley,
Treasurer.

Under the auspices of Trades an "
' abor Federation Union No. 11600.
Vandalia this year observed Labor
Day for the first time in its history.
The officers in charge left no stone
unturned in making it one of the
grandest celebrations in this section
of the state, and the citi.-'.ens of Van-
dalia vied with the meml-ers of this
organization to make it a gala day
long to be remembered. Among the
prominent labor speakers who ad-
dressed the people were John Miner
Knd J. H. Morgan.

The following pro.gram was carried
out:

Morning.
1(1:110— Parade.
10:30 — Speaking.

Afternoon.
1:30 — ^Concert liy Hand.
2:00' — 100 yard foot race; prize $5.
2:15 — 100 yard boy's fo-it race; prize,

a watch.
2:30 — 50 yard ladies' foot race; prize,
$3.

THE VANDALL\ WAOON I'ACTORY.
P'stablished liy M. Sleiniiauer, decca.sed, in liSofi. The hu-;iness has been
conducted .sueeessliillv by Mrs. C. Gloede for 37 years.

2:45 — 50 yard fat man's race;

a $3 hat.
2:50 — Sock race, first prize $2

ond prize. $1.

prize.

SOU\'E\IR OF \AXnALIA. II.LIXOIS.

121

MHMP.EKS OF PKESBVTERL\N CHFKCII CHOIR.

Reading from left to right, First Row: Mrs Xellie Bartlett, Alto; Mrs. T. J. Kolt, 1st Soprano; Miss Beulah Bartlett, Alto;

Miss Jennie Gerauld, 2d Soprano; Mrs. J. B. Washburn, Organist. Second Row; T. X. Pitkin, Bass;

Miss Rachael Gerauld, Alto; A. S. McKellar, Tenor.

:10

:15

;)•( ased pole; prize,
firjt. prize.

Climbin

$2.

Fiddlers' cimtesi

.$2; second prize. $1.
30 — Pie eatiug contest; prize $1
Ofl — Base ball '^ime at Park.
15 — Speak in EC.
00 — ^Hose Cart race

Fire Department :

couple and throw-
Evening.
30 — Band Concert.
00 — Speaking.

The celebration closed with a .grand
splay of fire works.

by Vandali;
liM) yard run,
water.

Modem Hmcrican.

A local lodge oi the Modern Ameri-
can Fraternal Order was organized in
Vandalia. in March, 1S!17. by W. B.
Wright, and Geo. Al. LeCrone. Su-
preme President and Supreme Secre-
tary resjiectively. This is a fraternal
beneficial order with the Supreme
Office in Rffingbam. 111., with im-
proved plans for life protection. The
Order has prospered from the first
as has the local lodge. During the
seven years of its existence in Van-
dalia several death claims have been
promptly i)ajd. which attest the safe-
ty and permanency of the Order. The
local lodge has a membership of
seventy and at present is officered
as follows :

Past President — Mary Hoar.

President — Bessie Easterday.

Vic;e President — .Josephine ■\\Tieeler.

Chaplain — Emma Baillie.

SerTetary a;iil Treasurer — .Allie L.
Cockelreas.

Sergeant at .\rms — .Maliel Siirdam

Conductor — Eli Hutchinson.

Inner Guard — .America Richardson.

Outer Guard — Harriet t'^rosr..

Medii eI Examiners — Ccorge Greer,
and George Bassett.

Court of Ronor.

The Court nf Honor, a fraternal In-
surance Order, was chartered by the
state of Illinois, and held its first
supreme meeting at Sprin.gfield on
.luly 23. Isn.T, A. L. Hereford was
elected Supreme Chancellor and con-
tinues to hold that office. .1. 11. Tcd-
lins of Vandalia, was elected one of
tlie supreme directors, and held that
office for five years. The supreme
offices are at Springfield, where they
are permanently located. The or-
der has made a splendid record, and
now numbers over Tn.onu members.
Within the past year it purchased the
old residence of the late .John M.
Palmer and have fitted it up for the
Supreme Offices and now have com-
modious and comfortable headquar-
ters valued at .f.iO.noo.

The Court of Honor write certifi-
cates from $500 to $2,000 on men and
women between the ages of IS and
-l.'i years and all losses are promptly
paid.

Vandalia Court No. y was one of

the original lodges and was insti-
tuted by Supreme Director J. D.
Collins with A. ,J. Creel as Chancellor.
His successors have been M. F.
Houston. B. W. Augustine. C. H.
Shafer, .J. O. Guinn. the present in-
cumbent. This Court numbers 260
members, and is one of the largest
fraternal lodges in the county. Its
meetin.gs are held regularly the first
and third Wednesday nights of each
month in Odd Fellows hall. The pres-
ent officers are: J. O. Guinn. Chan-
cellor; Mrs. Louise EncU, V. Chan-
cellor: B. W. Augustine. Past Chan-
cellor; W. E. iMiller, Recorder: .John
IJlley. Conductor: Mrs. Celia Mon-
roe. Chaplain: Mrs. Ida Nixon,
Guard: M. D. Eichenlaub, Sentinel.

Modem moodmen of Hmetnca.

Goldwood Cam]) No. 420. Modern
Woodmen of .-Vmerica. was organized
in this city September 29. 1887. with
fifteen charter members. Its first
officers were; Venerable Consul. L.
Easterday: Worthy .\dviser, A. T.
Porter: Excellent Banker. H. C.
Doyle; Clerk. Carl Dieckmann: Es-
cort. .1. B. Washburn; Watchman.
Fred Schilling: Sentry. Chas. Sonne-
man; Physician. R. E. Beach: Man-
agers, .John Mammen. L. E. Morey,
,1, R. Mc.\fee. Goldwood Camp has
grown to be one of the stron.gest
lodges in Fayette County, having at
the present time a membership of

122

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

over 250 in good standing. This
Camp has the distinction of having
had one of its members, the late Dr.
R. E. Beach, twice elected to the of-
fice of Head Physician, which office
he filled with credit to himself and to
the Camp for a period of four years.
Goldwood Camp has also been repre-
sented by one of its members as a
delegate or member of a standing
committee to every bi-ennial Head
Camp since the memorial meeting
held at Springfield. Illinois, in ISSn.
The present officers of Goldwood
Camp are: Venerable Consul, .1. O.
Rutledge: Worthy Adviser. Fred R.
Tate; Excellent Banker. .1. R.
Schulte; Clerk. L. Easterday; Escort,
Othello Rutledge; Watchman. Elias
Moore: Sentry. Leslie Moore; Physi-
cian, A. L. F. Williams; Managers.
Emil Stamm, Wm. Gerke, Carl Rahn.

'Che Rebckahe.

BV MKS M.^V n .S'l liNK.

Memento Robekah Lodge No. 125,
L O. O. F., was instit\ited .Ttuuary
26, 1893. by Anna E. Moreland and
the degree staff of Mattoon. with llie
following charter membership;

Sisters — May D. Stone, Monetta
Bandelow, Mila U. Ritter. Knima .1.
Mattes, Nancy Buchanan. Celia Mays,
Bessie Sturgess, Martha A. Rode, Bet-
tie Houston Mary Fram, Addie Henry.
Mate McKenzie. Eva L. Browning, El-
la Brown, Anna Mitchell, Rhoda A.
Wing, .Julia Remann, Martha Martin,
Anna Hayes, Anna S. White. Rosa
Shonk Louie M. Stone. Lydia .T.
Clouse. Clemma Morey,

Brothers.— H. A. Stone, P. G. M., G,
Bandelow, J. W. Ritter, W. P. Mattes.
N. S. Buchanan. S. S. Houston. J. P.
Bolin, R, E. Chandler, .Terry Hastings.
J, H. Pram, F. S. Holligen. F. P.
Brown, L. E, Mitchell, A. H. Wing.
Fred Remann. G. H. Martin. D. K.
Dewey, J. M. Price, .1, A, Merry, R.
S. Fram, Sr., G. E. Dieckmann, W. W
Shonk. E. P. Mattes C. L. Rummt.'
G. D. Hedges. H. W. Todd. .T. H.
Webb, G. W. Clouse, S. .T. Rautz, L.
L. Morey.

Ever since its organization the
Lodge has flourished. The member-
ship has increased and its influence
for good has been unbounded.

In 1S87 twenty members, residing
in Greenville, III., were granted with-
drawal cards for the purpose of or-
ganizing Melrose Rebekah Lodge, No.
14, which is now a stron,g or,ganiza-
tion. In December, 1SD9, nineteen
members living in Ramsey were
granted cards for the formation of
Temple Rebekah Lodge, No. 559.
With these drains upon it. Memento
Lodge has still maintained an average
membership of one hundred. This
Tjodge has been unusually honored in
the number of emineni members of
the Order who have held membership
here. Past Grand Masters Lindley
and Stone and present Grand Master
Brown. P. C. P. Dewey, P. G, Chaplain

FAYETTE COUNTY PRIZE .WINNERS.

Reading from left to rigfit. Sitting; Ray Mahon. .St. Peter, 111: Goldy Schoolcraft, Mulberry
Grove, 111; Cayce Morrison. Hanson. 111. Standing: Fj ed M. Taylor, Mulberry Grove, 111:

Elvin Colbert, Hagerstown, 111.

nr'HE State Course oC Study is used m all of the schools of Fayette County.
The pupils recommended lay the respective teachers are entitled to par-
ticipate in a Township or "Central Examination." Those successful in the
"Central" are entitled to write in a later examination called the "Final."
Those who are successful in the Final are known as "County Graduates"
and receive diplomas of graduation from the County Superintendent. In
190-1- there were 423 who participated in the Central, 247 of whom were
successful. Of this number 141 passed the Final, .^t the beginning of the
school term Hon. John J. Brown announced that he would send to the
World's Fair at St. Louis at his own personal expense, the best five in the
Final. The above were the successful contestants.

Todd, Grand Chaplain May, member
of the Old Folks' Home board. G. E.
Dieckmann and Past President of the
Rebekah Assembly and member of
the Orphans' Home board. Mrs. May
D. Stone.

It has annually contributed its quo-
la towards the support of the Or-
lihans' Home at T>incoln. and the Old
Folks' Home at Mattoon. besides lib-
eral donations to needy ones in its
immediate vicinity.

The future outlook for Memento
Lodge is very bright, each member
reniemliering that whatever good
they may do should be done now, for
they pass this way but once.

Ben F>ur Lodge, R. of p.

f.\- \V. A. H \\ w AK'l..

Ben T4ur l>odge No. 2(1,3. K. of P.
was oi-ganized in (bis city March IS.
IS,S9. Geor,ge T. Tunici-. then a mem
iier of Lod.ge No W. K. of P.. of Car
ronton. III,, assisted by Mr. J. G.
Smilh, were the prime movers in
formin.g the new organization here,
Auion.g the charter members were;
.ludgo G. T. Turner. .7obn J. Brown.

.John A. Bingham. Lon S. Matherly,
Geo. B. Capps, Dr. F. L. Rice and
Chas. E. White.

Ben Hur Lodge has contributed
more largely to the entertainment of
our home people than any other fra-
ternal or,ganization in Vandalia, hav-
ing at various times secured lecture
courses and other amusements of
high order. Ben Hur has always
been prominently represented in the
Grand Lodge of the State, and has
been honored by having one of its
members. John J. Brown, elected
Grand Chancellor. Mr. Brown is at
present Supreme Representative.
Followin.g are the present oflScers'
Chancellor Commander, C. H. Shafer;
Vice Chancellor Commander, ,J. O.
Rutledge; Prelate. W. A. Hay ward :
Master of Exchequer, Geo. B. Capps;
Master of Finance. William Kasten;
Keeper of Records and Seals. A. S.
ArcKellar: Master of Arms. Si Bul-
liugfon; Master of Work. Wni. West;
Inner Guard, .1. G. Rurnside; Outer
Guard. D. B. Smith; Representative
to Grand I^odge, W. A. Hayward.
The lod.ge meets every Friday night,
and is in a very prosperous condi-
tion, having at present over on; hun-
dred members In good standing .

SOm'ENIR OF VANDALiA, ILLINOIS.

123

o

05

z

'S.

w
<

OS

o

>l
H
Z
t^
O
O

w

H

>|

cu

X

z

c

Z

o

5' a.

o
►J

G O

O

124

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLIXOIS.

EMPLOYES OF THE FORD I'AI'ER MILL COMPANY.

READING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
First Row; Thomas Purtelle, Joe Forbs, Chas. Sweetland, James Metcalf, Geo. Deabler, Eddie Burby, Cal Emert, Jr.. Roy Metcalf.

Ruben Gaines, Ed Gaines, Roy Dill. John Gaines.
Second Row; James Boggs, Peter Casey, John Metcalf, F. M. Neal, E.P.Clayton, Mary Kurtz. Lucy Crotser, Xellie Hall, Chas. Shadric

Third Row: Sam Grubough, W. H. Gass, Dan Crotser.
Fourth Row: E.Johnson, J. Sears, F. Sears. Clyde Penwell, Eugene Oglesby, Arthur Pryor, W.A.Tate, Ed. Frost, J. M. Burby,

Frank Metcalf, Joe Leach, P. Myers.

Some of the More Important
Industries of Vandalia, IH.

flouring Mills.

Vandalia has been quite uuforlun-
ate in regard to flouring mills. Every
mill that has been erected here for
the purpose of the manufacture and
export of flour has burned down. To
day it has but one small mill, which
is run as a grist mill only. II is own-
ed by Thomas Perkins and is doins
quite a lucrative business.

Cbc Stave and Reading plant.

The Vandalia Slave and Headin.g
Company have an immense plant on
the east bank of the Kaskaskia river,
just south of the national road bridge,
that employs a great number of peo-
ple. This establishment has been
running for a number of years and
has been very successful. Millions
of staves and headin.gs are shipped

every year and the business is in-
creasing. Elm is the principal wood
consumed in the manufacture, but
some other kinds are beginning to be
used on account of the scarcity of
elm. It has done much towards clear-
in.g up the river bottom and putting
some of the finest land in Illinois in-
to cultivation. The business is car-
ried on bv Mr. Robinson.

Che eagle Brick Machine CQorks
and Tandalia foundry.

This establishment is carried (ui l>y
.Ml' Benjamin Craycroft, the in-
ventor and patentee of the Eagle
Rrick Machine. These machines are
manufactured and sold all over the
world. and orders come in far
more rapidly than Mr. Craycroft can
with his facilities manufacture them,
and he is making arrangements to en-
large his III an I. A foundry is also
run in connection with this business,
which also does a large amount of
work'. Mr. Craycroft .gives employ-
ment in his business enterprise to
about t'wentv laborers.

XIhe Tandalia paper Mill.

This gigantic establishment '\%'as
erected in 18S2 and 1SS3 by the busi-
ness men of Vandalia, generally the
more prominent contributors being
R. T. Higgins. George W. Brown,
Dieckmann and Stout. Whiteman and
.Jerauld. Wm. and C. G. Sonnemann.
Wm. Kasten. C. C. Wagner. B. W.
Henry. E. L. Wahl. M. Lynch. Dr.
F. B. Haller. Simeon Perkins. Fred
Remann and others. Patrick Scan-
lin and George Quigley, being the
n.ileutees of a new invention foi put-
ting a fine surface on coarse strong
paper to be used for express paper,
were allowed to put their patent
rishl into the company as stock,
which proved to be a- bad investment,
and after two or more years tried,
the patent machine was thrown out
at a heavy loss and the mill 'n'^is con-
verted into the ordinary method and
finally, was sacrificed as a total loss
to the original promoters. It is now-
owned by the Ford Manufacturing
Company of Chicago. It has been en-
larged and other machines added.

SOl^A'F.XTR Ol' N'AXDALIA, ILLINOIS.

125

VAi\I)ALL\ UASE liALL CLUB, SEASOxX UL 1'JU:J.

T^HE Vandalia Base Ball Club was the champions of Southern Illinois the season of 1903. The Club was or-
ganizetl in the Spring of 1903 with George B. Capps as manager. It was composed of some of the best
talent in the state, as is shown by tlie splendid record they made. During the season the boys played a total of
thirty-one games, out of which they won twenty-four. Joe Adams, the ex-St. Louis National League pitcher, added
much to the strength of the club, and to him great credit is due for their many victories. Following is the names
and positions of the players, shown in the above picture, reading from letc to right:

1st Row; "Tot" Sonnemann, right ticld; Glenn Walters, mascot; Bob Hickman, center field.

2d Row; "Nig"Langdon, catcher; Bart King, 3d base; Fred Easterday, substitute; Doc Stuttle, short stop.

3d Row; .\ugust Hum peler, left field; Fred Gerichs, 1st base; Joe Adams, pitcher; Geo. B. Capps, manager;
Mike Donovan, 2d base; Charles Stout, substitute.

and is now doing a large and profit-
able business, and is one o£ Vanda-
lia's best enterprises, making com-
mon wrapping and building paper,
and employing from 4U to 5U hands.

Cclcgrapba and Cclcpboncs.

Vandalia has one local and two
long distance telephone lines, the
Bell telephone line, local and long
distance and the Kinloch, long dis-
tance. The local telephone line has
only been in business a few years,
but has increased until nearly every
business house has a phone and many
private houses. It has come to stay.
and its business is increasing rapid-
ly. The long distance lines are doing
quite a large amount of business also.
We also have two telegraph lines, the
Western Union and JIackey-Bennett
cable line, enabling us to send mes-
sages all over the world.

XZhc Butcher Block Manufactory.

.Among the varied manufacturing
establishments in Vandalia, but by
no means the least is the Butcher
Block Plant, carried on by W. W.
Shonk. Commencing in a small way
and with but limited capital this has
grown into a large and prosperous
business. Blocks are shipped from
here to all parts of the world. .Mr.
Shonk has shipped blocks to Europe.
Asia and Africa, besides having sold
great quantities in the United States.
So great is the demand for these
blocks that Mr. Shonk is compelled
to ship in logs to keep him going in
addition to all he can buy at home.
These blocks are made from the fin-
est sycamore logs that can be pro-
cured. The industry is growing so
rapidly that at times the plant has to
shut down for want of material. The
industry gives employment to eight

or ten hands at the plant besides to
innumerable log haulers and dray-
men. Could Mr. Shonk procure all
the material he could work up. he
would double the capacity and there-
by give employment to more labor.

Cbc Glocde CQagon ^orke.

The Gloede Wagon Woi'ks is car-
ried On by Mrs. C. Gloede and Ed-
ward and Louis Steinhauer. These
works have been in operation for
many years, having been started by
.Michael Steinhauer and carried on by
him until his death, after which his
widow, now Mrs. Gloede, has success-
fully carried on the business.

The Gloede wagons are in great de-
mand and are sold as rapidly as the
shop can turn them out. This estab-
lishiuent gives employment to quite a
nnmljer of laborers and is a very suc-
cessful plant.

126

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

MRS. ELIZABETH DIXON,
Born McCord, an old resident.

JiRS. LON S. MATHER I. Y.
(Nee McCord.)

MISS FLORENCE xMATHERLY,

Duushter of Mr. and Mr.s. Lon S.

Matherly.

Biographical Sketches

COL. JAMES BLACK, Deceased.

CoL James Black was born in the
city of New York, on the lii'^t day of
February, 1791. He came ro Vandalia
sometime between 1820 and 1825. and
engaged in the general merchandis-
ing business. He was tilso somewhat
prominent in politics. He was ap-
pointed Postmaster at \'anJalii. July
31st, 1827, and held the .josition until
April 24th, 1832. He was also elected
a member of the General Assembly of
Illinois in 1828, and appears to have
held both positions at the epme time.

Col. Black "lived, honored and be-
loved by all who knew him." He died
October 26th, 1843. His remains are
interred in the oUl cemeiery at Van-
dalia.

MARTIN WELCH, Deceased.

The subject of this sketch was
born in Cumberland County, Ken-
tucky. He was the son of Richard W.
Welch, who was born in Virginia.
His grandfather was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War under the com-
mand of Gen. Morgan. Richard W.,
the father of Martin Welch, moved
with his family to Illinois in 1827.
where young Welch .grew to manhood,
receiving such an education in the
common schools of that day as it was
possible to acquire. After arriving al
maturity, he taught school for many
years, and was considered a success-
ful teacher.

He was a man endowed wilh n
strong natural mind, and was a lead-
er for many years in politics. He was
a democrat, and in 1856 was nomi-
nated and elected Co\mty Clerk.

which position he held for four years.
In 18Ij4 lie enlisted in Co. "E," I43r(l
Illinois Infantry, serving Ihiee
months. After his return, he engaged
in the Initel business, at which he con-
tinued until his death, which occurred
several years ago. He left surviving
him one son, John Welch, a prosper-
ous larmer, residing in Ramsey Tow.,
ship, Fayette County.

COL. WILLIAM C. GHEENUP.

Deceased.

Col, Greenup was born in Ann .\run-

del County, Maryland, .Vu^^ust i.slli,

1785, fi'nni which placf^ lie movi'il "'ilh

his parents to Kentucky, and from
Kentucky to Illinois while it svas yet
a territory, and settled at Kaskaskia,
where he was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Mather.

He was prominent in the early his-
tory of the State, and took an
active part in the formation of Hie
first constitution and was honored by
the convention making him its Secre-
tary: he was also Secretary of the
State Senate at its first session.

The late Hon. Usher F. Linder, in
his Reminiscences of the Early Bench
and Bar of Illinois, says of Col. (jreen-
up, "He was one of the first men of
any distinction with whom I became
acquainted after my advent into this
State: he was a nephew of Old Gov-
ernor Greenup, of Kentucky. At the
lime 1 first became ac:]uainted \iilh
Col. Greenu|i lie was Chief Officer and

RKNJ. F. CRAVCkol-I AM) SON HARRY.
Proprietors of The Ea^le Brick Machine Works and l'\)undry.

SOU\"EXlR Ul' \"AXL)AL1A. U.I.IXOIS.

127

MRS. .M. F. HOUSTON.

.IKANXETTE LAPIO,

Stenographer and Buokesper of the

Ford Manufafturing Co.

-MRS. WALTER WHITE.

Superintendent of the building" of the
National Road through Illinois, and
made his home at my father's hotise,
in the town of Greenup, then Coles
County, now Cumberland. The town
of Greenup was laid out by him and
Capt. Barber and named after Col.
(Jreenup.

He was a perfect encyclopedia of
the early men and events of Illinois,
and a man of the most remarkable
memory I ever knew. He was not
only acquainted with most the emi-
nent men of Illinois, but with a great
many in Kentucky, for instance, the
Weckliftes. Hardins. Marshalls. Grun-
dy and Rowan, and many others I
cannot recall to mind."

Col. Greenup, assisted by Beal
Greenup and John McCoUum. sur-
veyed and platted the original town
of Vandalia. and immediately re-
moved from Kaskaskia and took up
his residence at Vandalia. where he
continued to reside until iiis death
which occurred June Idth. 1853. Hi'
left surviving him his widow, whc.
died a few years later, and Mrs. Ma-
tilda Eraser, a daughter, who is still
alive and active, and is the only per-
son living who has resided in Van
dalia during its entire existence; also
Mrs. Clara Ernst, another daughter
who is still alive and has lived her
entire life in Vandalia. and William
B. Greenup, a .=;on. who has the same
distinction.

HON. JOHN SHIRLEY, Deceased.

The sulijtcl of this sketch was born
in the State of Tennessee. January 15.
1810. His father. George Shirley, was
a native of Pennsylvania, and his
mother. Elizabeth (Poland) Shirley, of
Virginia. His parents were married
in East Tennessee, where his father
died when John was about 15 years
of age. Shortly after her husband's
death, Mrs. Shirley, with her young

family, removed to Illinois, settling
in Fayette County in 1829. Mr. Shir-
ley enlisted in the Black Hawk War
to fight the Indians. In 1836 he was
elected Assessor and Treasurer of
Fayette County, in 183S was elected
Recorder of Deeds, in 1842 a member
of the Legislature, and in 1860 Sheriff
of the County, all of which positions
he filled with credit to himself and
honor to his constituents.

JAMES M. WHITEMAN. IJeceased.

Jaines .M. Whiteraan was born near
the Natural Bridge in Virginia, on
I he ,jth day of May. 1826. In 1857 he
came to Vandalia from Princeton.
Indiana, where he had resided toi-
some years previous. He entered
into partnership with Col. Frederick
Remann, who was a brother-in-law. and

continued in the mercantile business
with him for a few years, when he
retired from the firm, and formed a
paitnership with Gorton D. Jerauld,
his nephew, under the firm name of
Whiteman & Jerauld. They continued
together for some years, when they
sold o;it their business. After the
lapse of a few years Mr. Whiteman
again entered into the mercantile bus-
iness with Mr. Joseph F. James, under
the firm name of Whiteman & James.
This firm remained in existence a
few years, when they sold out and
Ml'. Whiteman agam entered the busi-
ness by himself, which iie conducted
until his death.

.Mr. Whiteman was Vandalia's thi -d
Mayor, and held the office first in
lS73,and a,gain in 1874. 1879 and 1883.
having filled the same for four terms.

Mr Whiteman was one of Van-

RESIDENCE OF S. A. PRATER.
North 7th Street.

128

SOUVENIR OF \'.\XI)ALIA. ILLIXUIS.

GEO. A. A. DIECKMANN.
Real Estate and Loan Agent, who
enjoys the conflclence of lapital-
ists and inveslois. One of Van-
dalia's progressive citizens.

MRS. LINCOLN BANCROl'^'f,
Daughter of .lolin Gochenoiir, "e
dent iif Creenup. Illinois.

JA.MES S. EVANS,
Ex-Supervisor of Vandalia Township,
and liead of the firm of J. S. Evans
& S(ins, Hardware Dealers.

ualia's best citiv.ens. a friend to thr
poor and needy, to Vihom he conlri'.-
uted freely, an enteri)rising and ener-
getic man. ci)ntril)Uting liberally to
any undertaliing fni the advancement
of the interests of the City. He was
one of the organizers of the Paper
IWill, and a stockholder in both Coal
companies, all of wliich investments
proved bad.

He died at Vandalia on the liith day
of February, 1S99. aged 73 years.

He left survivin.g him Mrs. Olivia
Leidig Whitemau, his widow, residing
at Vandalia, Eugene Whiteman, a
son, residing in Chicago, and Frede-
rick Whiteman. a son residing in St.
Louis, Mo.

HENRY F. JERAULD, Deceased.

Henry F. Jerauld came to Vandalia
in 1853 and engaged himself as a
clerk in the mercantile establishment
of Ebenezer Capps, where he re-
mained as such for several years,
when a partnership was formed, con-
sisting of Ebenezer Capps. Benjamin
Capps and Henry F. Jerauld, under the
firm name of E. Capps & Co. This
partnership only existed a few years
and was dissolved.

Mr. Jerauld, after retiring from the
mercantile trade, tcn'med a partner-
ship with Oscar F. Hinton, under the
firm name of Jerauhl & Hinton. and
built and operated the first foundry
in Vandalia. They continued together
until 1861, when the Civil War broke
out, and Mr. Hinton sold out his in-
terest to Mr. Jerauld and moved to
Califoi'nia, Mr. Jeraidd taking in Jos-
eph Little as a partner.

Mr. Little remained in (he business
a few years and retired, Mr. Jerauld
taking in James W. Stolle as a part-
ner, and embarked in the manufactur-
ing of plows, which business was car-

ried on until the burning of the plant.
.Mr. Jerauld was now left nearly pen-
niless, as he had no insurance, but,
with his indomitable energy and per-
severance, he rebuilt and commenced
business again, but. owing to impaired
health and financial troubles, he
never attained his former standing.
He died of heart disease .March Ifi.
1.S99.

.Mr. Jerauld was an enterprising
man. a good citizen, a kind neighbor
and a faithful friend.

Ml. Jerauld was married to Miss
Sarah Capps, daughter of Ebenezer
Capps. At his death he left surviv-
ing him his widow, and Douglas Je-
rauld, residing in Norfolk, Virginia:
Frank Jerauld, Cincinnati. Ohio, and
D. N. Jerauld, Cleveland. Ohio.

EBENEZER CAPPS. Deceased.

Ebenezer Capps was born in Lon-
don. England. May 27. 1798, and came
to the United States in 1818, and en-
gaged in business at Cincinnati. Ohio,
afterwards at St. Louis. Mo., and then
at Springfield, 111.

In 1S30. accompanied by his moth-
er, three brothers and two sisters,
he came to Vandalia and permanently
located. He pt)3sessed no ready
means, but was ready and apt, and
with an inate knowledge of the prin-
ciples governing the laws of trade
he soon entered upon a career of pros
perity, and at his death left a large
and well established business.

He was engaged in the wholesale
and retail commercial trade. He
bought anything any one had to dis-

InII-SIDENCE of F. C. HUMi'llKI'Y.
North 1st Street.

S( )r\ I'.XIU i)l' \ AXDAI.IA. ILLINOIS.

129

BYKUX \V. AUGUSTIXK.
Vandalia's leading exclusive Hucii
ami Shoe Merchant

F. M. GUINN,
A inuniinent attorney.

.1 F. S.-WLIOS. E.x-Poslmaster,
Carrier Rural Free Delivery. Knni<
No. L'. V'andalia, Illinois.

pose of. and his market qno'alim.s
ruled the price of commodities li':ira
Vandalia to New Orleans for niai.y
years.

Mr. Capps was first married to .Miss
Ann Norwood. March 1st, 1835. SLie
died September 2t!th. 18-55. and No-
vember 29th. ISiiii. he married Miss
Rosette lies. She died January 22nd.
1862. Octolier Stth, 1S(;3. he was mar-
ried again to Mi-s. Elizabeth Beidler
Snyder.

Mr. Capps was an enterprising man.
of strict integrity and honesty. Upon
the undertaking of the buildiu.g of
the Old Bro'igh Rail Road, he i'.,.k a
large amount of stock in the cop.i
pany. and was its treasurer I'lrin? ils
attempted construction.

Unfortunately for Mr. Capps and
many others, the company became
bankrupt, and the further cons^:'UC-
tion of the road w-as abandoned, by
reason of which Mr Capps lost i;aitp
a sum of money.

For a numbe'- of years ur.'vioin to
his death he was seriously avfected
with paralysis, from the effects of
which he died February 7th, 1877.

He left surviving him Mrs. Eliza-
beth B. Capps. his widow, and Mrs.
Hannah C. Jenks. of Vandalia; Mrs.
Sarah .Jerauld, of Cincinnati, Ohio:
Mrs. Mary Williams, of Newton, 111.;
Chas. E. Capps. Thos. Capps. Mrs. .T
H. Wallace, George B. Capps, of Van-
dalia, and Miss Rose Capps, of St.
Louis. Mo.

CHRISTIAN A. SONNEMANN.
Deceased.

The subject of this sketch was born
in Gross-Reiden, Germany, February
2nd, 1813, and was educated in hi-
native town. He was married in the
Autumn of 1838 to Elizabeth Schmidt,
and soon after his marriage Mr. Son-
nemann and his wife emigrated to

America, arriving at Vandalia in the
Spring of 1839, where he immediaie-
ly engaged in pursuit of trade ;i.s a
cabinet maker, which trade he car-
ried on for many years. Soon after
the I. C. R. B. was built he added the
lumber trade to his business, in a,ll
of which he was very successful. He
was a large stockholder in the First
National Bank, and he and Mr, ,M.
Fehren, with several others, estab-
lished the Farmers' and Merchants'
Bank, of which he was Vice Presi-
dent, and s'lbsequeutly was elected
President, which position 1 " held one
year,

.\lr. Sonneniann was one of the or-
.ganizers of the Lutheran i"hurch of
Vandalia. and w'as a prominer.: Mason.

He died April 3rd. 1875. leaving
Mrs. Elizabeth Sonnemann. his widow.

(since deceased), William Sonne-
mann. Chas. G. Sonnemann. his sons,
and .Miss Lucy Sonnemann. a daugh-
ter; also F. C. Eckard, a grandson
of his deceased daughter, Matilda.
Mr. Sonnemann was a man of ster-
ling qualities, and one of the most
promineni and influential men in the
city.

THOMAS J. STOUT.

Thomas .). Slout was liurn at Van-
ilalia. III.. November isth, ISlU. where
lie was raised and educated in the
conmion schools of the city, and after-
wards took a Collegiate course at
-McKendree College. Lebanon. III. In
ISGO he began railroading on the I. C.
R. R. in the train service, at which he
continued until the breaking out of

RESIDENCE OF L. K. HOAR
South 8th Street.

130

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

E?>TELLA MAMM

Ti ^ 1 1

"^^ 11 1 1 1 1 in 3 ,

CHAS. BRANNON

JAMES TAYLOR WILL WEST

THE STORE AND WORKING FORCE OF T. N. PITKIN 6 CO.

A BIT OF COMMERCL\L HISTORY.

A T the corner of Fifth and Gallatin streets stands a commodious three stor^- brick building which has been one of
the land marks of successful business enterprise in Vandalia for over a third of a century. Away back in the
fifties Methias Fehren established himself in business in a large frame building which then occupied this corner. He
was an honest, conscientious business man and in a comparatively short time was successful in building up the
largest retail merchandising business in this part of the state His business outgrowing his limited quarters, he
erected in 1868, the business block which is still considered one of the finest of the city. At his death, in 1872, he
was succeeded by the firm of Wagner, Wahl & Co., which \vas composed of the men who, under his management
has built up a large and successful business.

In 1875, Mr. Wahl having disposed of his interest, the business was continued until 1882 under the firm name
of Wagner & (icrichs. when Mr. Gerichs withdrew from the firm and the business was continued under the firm
name of Wagner & Pitkin. .After the death of Mr. Wagner in 1890, the business was continued by his partner, T.
N. Pitkin, under the firm name of T. N. Pitkin & Co., who has still associated with him Geo. \. Kurtz and Julius
R. Schulte, who had been active in this business enterprise under the former management for many years. Just re-
cently Mr. W. H. West, who has occupied a responsible position with this firm for a number of years, has been ad-
mitted with an inti rest in the business. In all the years that have passed the business has been conducted on the
sound business jirincipals of the founder, Mr. Fehren, and those who have risen to places of responsibility in the
present management have passed their young manhood in the employ of the firms who have succeeded him. The
large nuasiire of success which has come to this business firm is no d<iubt largely because they have followed the
lines of safe business ]3olicy of those before them and have been able at the same time to adapt themselves to the
more modern methods and clianged conditions which come with the advancing years of business activity. This
business is now conducted with the following working force: T.N. Pitkin, Head of Firm and General Manager;
Geo. A. Kurtz, Manager of Clothing Department; J. R. Scnulte, Manager of Dry Goods Department; W. H. West,
Cashier in charge of Accounts; C. F. Rummel, Manager of Ladies Shoe Department; R. W^ Hickman, Manager of
Men's Shoe Department; J. S. Taylor, Manager of Grocery Department; Miss Hthel Mammen, Manager of Ladies
Suit aud Cloak Department; Miss Stella Mammen, .\ssistant in Dry Goods Department; Chas. Brannen. Floyd
James and Frank I^ippel, Assistants in Grocery Department.

SOl'VKNTR OF \^-\NDATJA, n.T.TNOIS.

131

a,

Di
M

U

<d
W
H

J

O

o
u

Z

o
a

H
H

132

SOUVENIR OF VANDALTA, IIXINOTS.

SOMli VANDALIA I'RESIDEX liAL POSSIBILITIES.
Taken in front of the Presbyterian Church, Monday, July Soth, 1904-. D. McLeod, Artist.

Following are the names and ages of the boys in the above group:

Reading from left to right. First
row — Leo Burtschi, aged 2 1-2 years;
Dale Browning, 2 1-2; Mildred Cox, 4;
Claud Dixon, 3; Allan Humphrey, 5;
Cecil Goodbrake. :', ; Montgomery
May, 3.

Second row — .Johnnie Rethorn, 7;
Henry Rethorn, 7; Cecil Smith, 7;
Harold Hagy, (j; Lncien Steinhauer,
5; Elisha Eichenlaul), .'i; Dale Stapp,
4; Freddie Emmel. .5; I^eo Cleary, 4;
Freeman Lawler. 5; Miller Greer, 5;
.Arnold Irish. 4: Roy Sigler. 4.

Third row — August (Buster) Schert,

Fred McEIheney,
Harry Shepley, o
ADiert Diuican, 7;
Freddie Carniack

6; Rolla Mears,
George Straub,
Marlin Starnes,
5; Mays Rum-

mel, S; Harry Wright,
Cleary, 7; Ernie Hagy, 8.

J uliau

Fourth row — Freddie Frier, S; Car-
roll Brown Mannon, 6; Clare Hay-
ward, 10; Eugene Shull, S; Ralph
Stapp, S; William Gates, 7; Osmer
Durbin, 11; Clyde Goodbrake, 11;
Carl Hagy. t); Glenn Davis, 7; Eu-
gene Stahl. S; Raymond Smith, 5.

Filth row — Jakie Cook 8; Earl
Sapp, 9; Gregory Deabler, 9; Fred-
die Morey, 10; Archie Oglesby, 12;
David McCord, 8; David Livingston,
10; Frank Morelock. 11; Cecil Bnier-
ick 9; George Greer, 9; Ha'ry Wal-
ton, 9; Morris Nixon, 11.

Sixth i-ow — Amos Cari;iack, 10;
Wallace Henry. 11; Wilbui- C'ook, 12;

Norman Lilley, 11; Glenn Walters,
14; Sherman Freeman. 11; Marshall
Crow, 9; Roy Washburn, 9; Frank
Griffith, 12; Willie Dieckmanu. 11;
Lynn Gochenour, 10.

Seventh row — Thomas Dieckmaun,
13; John Bingaman, 11; Walter Ed-
wards, 9; Gerald Humphrey, 10; Wal-
ter Ireland, 11; George Scoles, 13;
Curtis Lorton. 12; Edwin Cook, 12;
Lee Wri.ght, 12; Joe Schmidt. 14;
Reed Carmack, 10.

Eighth row — Cecil Washburn. 12:
Ralph Rugan. 13; Charles Ruemme-
lin, 14; Freddie Gordon, 12; Fred
Rexwinkle. 13; DeWitt Green, 13;
George Moore, 15; Frank Ferine, 13;
Willie Albert, 13; K. Mills, 13; Law-
rence White, 10.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

133

A LUINCH OF VANDALIA \ lOLBTS.
Anv f)ne of whom ma\ some day grace the White House.

Following are the names and ages of the girls in the above group;

Reading from left to right. First
row — Frederielva Stimson, aged 4
years; Jessie Deabler, 5; Emma Good-
brake, 5.

Second row — Mabel Elani, 6; Helen
Spurgeon. 5; Helen Taylor. 5; Valera
Hall. 6; Mardel Draper. 7: Frances
McElheney. 13; Opal Morelock. 6:
Gertrude Cook. 7: Iris Irish. 6; Lu-
cille Schutz. 7; Celeste Sayles, 4:
Caroline Sayles. 6.

Third row — Eunice May, S: Ann
Olivia Whiteman. 9: Pauline Kirk. 9
Anita Bell. 9; Amelia Straiib. K^
Lucy Smith. 7; Isabel Draper, 11
Fern Eakin. 7: Bessie Morelock. 8
Bee Sturgess. S: Nellie Addison, 8
EfBe Surdam. 6; Ada Mills. 8.

Fourth row — Mabel Clark, 10; Ethel

Craycroft. 9; Gertie Beer. 10; Ger-
trude Renter. 9; Carrie Schert, 11;
Ina Edwards, 9; Edna Schert. 12;
.Agnes Leever, 8; Ona Snyder, 7; Ina
Snyder. 9: Stella Stahl, 10,

Fifth row — Genevieve Ireland, 9:
Esther Dinges, 9: Gwendolyn Farmer.
11'; Margurite Schenker, 7; Lila Ma-
liry, 8; Helen Carrigan, 8; Lydia
F;ichenlaub, 8; Flossie Ralston. 10;
Lydia Hausmann, 7; Violet White,
9: Nellie Reed, 10; Elsie Naylor, in.

Sixth row— Lucille Snell, S; Cas-
tilla Sayles. 8; Rhoda Eakin. 8; Vi-
vian Rugan. 10; Margaret Kelly. 10;
Lucille Creel, 7; Bessie Spurgeon. 11;
Helen Creel, lO; Carrie Morelock. 10;
Ethel Hudson. 10; Wavie Shull. 10;
Aletha May, lO; Veda Bolt. 10.

Seventh row — Glovenia Bailes. 9;
Emma Wri.ght. 10; Libbie Greer, 10;
Helen .Austin, 10; Hattie Springer,
11; Clara Clayton. 9; Florence Le-
Daux. 10; Bessie Deabler, 11; Marga-
ret Sttn-gess. 10; Celia Schenker, 9;
Bernici' Leever, 10; Fern .lohnson, 11,

Eight li row — Bonnie Mabel Ran-
dolph; Hazel Randolph, 12; Nellie
Sigler, 10; Elaine Irish, 10; Irma
Scheurcr, 12; Evadna .lames, 11
Alary Crow, 13: Guida Sayles. 10
•Tossie .Mills, 10; Masrgie Lipple, 11
Mabel .Addison 12.

Ninth row — Ruby Stimson, 11; An-
na Gaines, 13; Sarah Davis, 13; Rose
Bingaman, 14; Ruby Schilling, 12;
Myrtle Baillie. 14; Katie Hackleman.
13; Rosie Curry. 14; OIlie Steinbring,
11; Hazel Redmond, 11.

134

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

E. F. CLUB.

Reading from left to right. First Row: Mesdames Helle Edwards. Tabbie Smith. Annie Clayton, Sarah Votberg. Stella Kirk, .\nnie Mitchell.
Second Row; Katie Hutchinson, Tillie West, Pauline Gerichs, Minnie Brown, Etta Brodbeck.
Third Row: Tina Dieckmann, Louisa Stamm, Mattie Moore, Sarah Brown, Ida May Deabler.

' I 'HE E. F. CLUB was organized in 1S96 with a membership oi twenty-four of Vandalia's well-known ladies.
The Club was organized mainly for social purposes, but it carries with it benevolent features as well, having
at different times assisted in the distribution of charities to the poor oi our city. Meetings are held bi-nionlhly.
The present officers of the Club are .Mrs. r'anline Gerichs, President, and Mrs. Tillie West, Secretary.

the Civil War. when hi' onli'^lcd in
the Navy, and servfd niidrr ('apt.
Swift until his term iif service ex-
pired, and lie tlien re-enlisted in tlie
7th Illinois Cavalry. In l.Sfif) lie en-
tered the service of the TTninn Paeifie
R. R. Co., as brakenian. and was soon
after promoted to Cnndnetor of the
pay car. In ISVti, a i'ew d'lv^ l^eforc
he was to have had a regular run as
Conductor, he met with a frislitful ac-
cident, while doing some switching at
T^awrence. Kansas. One of his heels
caught in a hrakebeam of a moving
train, and the trucks of the engine
passed over his right le.g between the
hnee and hip. makin.g amputation ne-
cessary. While an invalid, the coni-
liany offered him a station, whicli he
accepted, and went to Tongannxie,
Kansas, and learned telegraphy under
the instructions of the agent at that
place. The old style paper tele-
graphic register was still in use at
that time.

Recently the Order of Raihoad Td-

egi-aphers began an investigation to
find the oldest telegraph operator in
point of service in each large corpora-
tion doing business in the United
States for the purpose of getting their
Photographs for exhibition at their
National Convention held in Chey-
enne. Wyoming, in March, 1903. It
developed that Mr. Stout had that dis-
(iuctiiui on the Union Pacific System,
rtis term of service began November
1st. l.STl. He has .iust been retired
on a life pension.

Mr. Stout is a son of Capt. Philip
Stout, who commanded Co. ".\." I'rd
111. Infantry, in the Mexican War, and
is a member of the first Divisiou of
Cnndiic-liirs' Brotherhood.

REV. HUGH WALLACE TODD,

Deceased.

Was liom near Edinburgh. Scot-
land. September 26th. 18SR. where he
was reared and educated for the niin-
istrv. He was married at Rdin-

l.ur,gh, Scotland, .luly 4th, 1S.5S, to
Miss Essie Gibson, and in 1Sli2 came
lo the United States and settled at
Princeton. New .lersey, where he re-
mained until 1,S74, when he received
a call to preach at Ironton, Missouri,
and removed to that place, where lie
remained about two years, wlien he
was called to Vandalia, 111., whore he
removed in ISTfi and took charge of
the Presbyterian Con.gregation, which
Iiosition he held until about 1897,
when he resigned his pastorate on
account of ill health. Rev. Todd was
appointed Chaplain of the 4th R;'gi-
ment. 111. National Guard, and was
with them during the Spanish Vme-i-
can War. He was also Chaplain of
the Grand Lod.ge t. O. O. F., of the
State of Illinois, which position he
held at the time of his death, which
occurred .January 22nd, 1903.

He left surviving him thre ■ chil-
dren, this wife having died several
years a.gol, viz: !Mrs. Edward H. Ea-
kins, residing at Patterson. N w Jer-

SOTTVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

135

VANDALIA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Reading from left to right, Standinjf: Butler Kay, Pipeman; I'rank .Morelock, Secretary; Sam Rutledge, '^d Ass't. Cliief; J. Will kitter, Chief

Chas. Higgins, 1st Ass't. Chief; J. R, Schulte, Capt. of Hose Cart; Thos. M. Ktombaugh, Cap't. Hook and Ladder Wagon; Zeke Roe, Pipeman.

(Sitting: Chas. Houston; John M. Enck, Treasurer; H. U. Cleary; Chas. Redmond, .Steward; Martin Enck, Mascot; Art Cleary,

J. M. Oglesby, Clifford Higgins.

sey, and Mrs. S. A. Prater and Mrs.
A. S. McKellar, residing at Vandalia.
Rev. Todd was one of the most pop-
ular and highly respected ministers
Vandalia ever had, and his death was
deplored by his many friends.

MICHAEL LYNCH,

Deceased.

Michael Lynch came to Vandalia
some time between 1830 and 1S40 and
engaged in the manufacture and sale
of wagons, which business he follow-
ed until the advent of the Illinois Cen-
tral Railroad when he discontinued
il. and embarked in grain business,
which he continued until old age and
enfeebled health compelled him to re-
tire, which he was enabled to do as
he had accumulated quite a compe-
tency. /'^

Mr. Ijynch was one of Vandalia's
ablest business men. a man whose
word was as .good as his bond, a kind
and indiilgent husband and parent.
It was through Mr. Lynch's effort that
a Catholic con.gTegation w'as estab-
lished at Vandalia and he gave freely
towards the support of the church.
Mr. T,ynch was married to Miss Rllen

Kennady at Philadelphia, Pa., before
he settled in Vandalia. He died on
the 23rd day of December. 1S91,
leaving two daughters and several
grandchildren. His daughters. Miss
Margaret Lynch and Mrs. Mary Eck-
ard are residing in Vandalia at this
time.

ISAAC BARNET ,

Deceased.

Isaac Barnett was born in Fairfield
County, Ohio, on the 17th day of
March, 1S17. He was an architect
and builder. In 1856, he removed with
his family to Decatur, 111., where he
followed his trade until 1858, when
he came to Vandalia, as a sub-con-
tractor of .lohn Condit Smith, who
had entered into a contract with Fay-
ette County to finish the work on the
Court House. He continued to reside
at Decatur during the time he was
occupied with the work on the Court
House. The excellence of his work'
upon that building was such that the
leadin.g citizens importuned and in-
duced him to come to Vandalia. which
was at that time in sore need of
workmen of his ability. He therefore

removed to Vandalia in 1863, and en-
tered into partnership with J. C. Ger-
ichs. in the building business, under
the firm name of Barnett & Gerichs.
The handsomest business houses in
Vandalia were constructed by them;
notably the Fehren Opera Block, the
Dieckmann House, the Watkins
building, the F. Remann store build-
ing, James Kelly's Block, and the
Geo. H. Dieckmann business block,
since destroyed by fire. They also
liuilf the Haller residence. A. H.
Dieckmann residence. Geo. H. Dieck-
mann residence. M. Fehren residence,
and the Presbyterian church and
l\Iethodist church, the one destroyed
by fire March 17th, 1899, and many
other buildings in and out of Vanda-
lia. Mr Barnett was a man of strict-
ly moral habits, energetic and indus-
trious, and always contributed to any
enterprise for the advancement of the
interests of the city or churches, as
his means would allow.

He died on the ?,nth day of .Taniiary.
1SS2. after an honorable and well
spent life. He left surviving him Mrs
Lucetta Barnett. his widow, since de-
ceased. .Tames P. Barnett, his son,
and Misses Lida and Mattie Barnett,
bis daughters.

136

SOIWENIR OF VANDAIJA. TIJJNOIS.

GALLATIN STREET, EAST ]-K()M LTTHERAN CHT'KCH.

FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL TEACHERS

SEE ILLUSTRATION ON PAGE 181.

Elsewheiv in Ihij
found a group of
School Teachers,
attendance at the

hooli will be
Fayeltf County
who were iu

anual County

Teachers' Institute, which opened in
the Methodist Church in this city
Monday. August 8. and continued to
Friday, August 12 inclusive. There
were enrolled at this meeting 193 out
of 205 teachers who tau.ght in the
County during the school term of
1903-1904, and all but four of these
filed satisfactory excuses with the
County Superintendent, statin.g cause
of their inability to attend. This pic-
ture was taken on the afternoon of
.■\ugust 10. 1904, at the east side of
the Court House, once the State Capi-
tol building. D. McT-eod. artist.

The followin.g is a list of the
teachers appearing in the group:

Row one — .1. W. Couch, .T. .T. Bul-
lington, Estella Pilcher. .Tessie Craig.
.Jennie Kidd. Blanche Beebe. Ara
Crouch, Lillian Parrill, W. R. Lugen-
beel (Instructor), Ina Poland,
Pumniill, Annie T^ogue, ,T. E.
H. H. Road, .John L. Prye.

Row two — Amy Turner.
Wasmuth, Ovpha Elilers, Lizzie Rob-
erts. Estella Welch, Stella Logue.
Sarah L. Mont.gomery (Instructor),
T>("onard H\tnt. Alta McCo>y. Mollie

Estella
Stokes.

Minnie

Metzger. Mrs. \V. F. .McCord. Hattie
Neill, C. H. Shafer.

Row three — .James Dooley, Eliza-
beth R. Lovett. Florence Sidener. M.
L. Staff, Sophronia Greider, Arthur
Wilson, Lena Force. Mrs. A. B. How-
ard. Cora Grant. Lena Wells. Edna
Price. Harry A. Walter, Ora Zeigler,
M. B. Brown. M. L. Lansfort. Rosa
Logue.

Row four — Solon Spra,gue. Clinton
McCormick. C. D. Foucht. Clara .'Vm-
buehl, .1. W. White. Ella Hoar, Fles-
sie Beebe. Catherine .Teffares, .Vr.na
Hoffman Fred Taylor Nannie M. Kile,
Mrs. Mamie E. Ley, Lottie G. Fog-
ler, Mattie B. Heckort. F. E. Craw-
ford, ,T. Ij. Dunbar.

Row five — S. M. Durliin. F. P. Keen,
.1. W. Mahon, Frank Morton. Rollin
Mahon. .T. H. Radcliffp, Hallie E. l?on-
nell. Maud Lovett. Mary Hamilton.
.A-dison Elam, .Julian Ray. lula Norris,
Clara Bo.gard-Brown Jj'zzie Watt,
Maude Holliday.

Row six — Polly Wrighl. Edwin
Elam. 1 - Katie Pilcher. Chas. W.
Howell. Chas. C. Guinn. Lee Guffey,
Bessie Newconie, Clara Wernet, Eva
Lape Rovilla Hankins. Maude Bolt,
Goldie Schoolcraft, Emma Grider,
.Julia Schwarm. Eva Schwarm, Tsathe-

rine Young. C. C. Mattix, \V. A. Con-
rad.

Row seven— Alex W. White. Vernie
R. Hamilton, Thos. Woods, Ella F.
Smith. Cayce Morrison. Charles Lape
Glenna Lockart. Mabel Wright
Mamie McDonald, Daisy Ellison, Min
nie N. Goode, Maggie Harley. Cora
Douthitt. Mae Kepner, Fred Tate
Chance Kell.

Row ei.ght — Walter Beck, Homer
Frailey, Charles Snyder, Nora Staff
Selby Mills, Sue Huss. Clara M,
Siieckmann, Sadie E. Carroll. Phebe
Holman. Ma.ggie .1. T.amb, Bessie
Lamb, P. H. Miller, Geo. Friend. Sam
uel F. Griffith.

Row nin( — Thos. .|. Cothern. Geo
I. Frazi 'V. (^,ia Snyder, Mary Law
son. Ka.i Wilson, Pearl Stricklen
Emma Pollocj^. Ida Hennon. Emma
■Hed.gpetli, .lohn T. Harrison. .losie
Call. Jjaiira Rugan, Delsie Knight, Lu
cinda Davis. Cleve Bullin,gton, F. E
Miller.

Row ten— L. C. I. ape. H. .1. Hecke-
thorn. Charlie D. Mattes. .lohn L.
Mayhew. I1elhei-t Baker, Geo. F. Da-
vis. Artliur Price, Austa Whittin.gton,
Grace Shiimian. Lotta Welch. Maude
Workman. .John F. .\nderson, Minnie
.\keman. Eunice Carter. Ethyl Smith,
.Julia Hdldman.

SOUVENIR OF VANDAMA. ILLINOIS.

137

OFFICERS OF FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE CIRCLE NO. fiO, LADIES OF THE G. A. R.

Reading from left to riglit. First Row: Hiss Kthel Mamtnen. Secretary; Mrs. Martha J. Smohl, President; Miss Mae Brannon, Treasurer;

Mrs. Lucy Trueblood, Chaplain.
Second Row: Miss Maud Binganian, Conductress; Mrs. Lillian Griffith, Senior Vice; Mrs. Belle Hubler, (iuard; Mrs. Belle Brokaw, Junior Vice.

PLORENCE Nightingale Circle, Ladies of the G. A. R., was organized April 19, 1002. The object and purpose of
■*• this order are much the same as that of the Women's Relief Corps. They differ only in that to become a mem-
ber of the Ladies of the G. A. R., the apjilicant must necessarily be a blood relative of a soldier who served m the
late civil war. Florence Nightingale Circle is in a flourishing condition, having at this time twenty-five members.

COL. ROBERT H. STURGESS,

Deceased.

Col. Sturgess was born .January
23d. 1831. in Wabash County, fllinois.
A short time before Col. Sturgess was
born his father was killed by an acci-
dent, and almost from his infancy the
Colonel was thrown upon his own re-
sources. During his childhood he
worked in a mill, and was deprived
by stern necessity from enjoying any
educational advantages, but he ac-
quired considerable practical informa-
tion by his own exertions and appli-
cation. At eighteen years of age he
began to learn the trade of a carpen-
ter and builder, at which he worked
until 18.59, when he, in connection
with Mr. Montgomery Hickman,
bought out the "Fayette Observer," a
newspaper in Vandalia. which they
continued until the breaking out of
the Civil War. when they both enlist-
ed and discontinued the paper. Col.
Stur.gess assisted in raising the first
company that w-ent out from Vandalia
during the rebellion, Co. "H." 8th
Regiment, Illinois Infantry. He was
elected First Lieutenant of the Com-
pany.

The Regiment was sent to Cairo,
where they served out their time, and
upon a reoreanization of the Regi-
ment he was elected Captain. After
the battle of Shiloh. he was promoted
to Major and shortly afterwards to
Lieutenant Colonel, and was in com-
mand of the Regiment during the

campaign of Vicksburg. After the
siege of Vicksburg, Col. Sturgess re-
signed, owing to his accumulated du-
ties and his failing health, and re-
turned to V^andalia, where he contin-
ued to reside until his death, which
occurred March 6, 1S90.

Col. Sturgess was first married in
18.53 to Mary F. Hickman, a daughter
of Col. Thomas B. Hickman. She
died in 1855. and subsequently he
married Miss Laura A. Hickman, a
sister of his first wife. She still sur-
vives him. also his children, viz:
Frank Sturgess, Mrs. Maggie Leaver,
Thos. H. Sturgess, Robert H. Stur-
gess, Mrs. Bessie Easterday. Bart
Sturgess, Miss Jane Sturgess and
Miss May Sturgess, all residing at
Vandalia except Frank Sturgess. who
resides in Texas.

Col. Sturgess was a true man, a
faithful friend, a kind neighbor and
an u]iright citizen.

COL. FERRIS FORMAN, Deceased.

Col. Ferris Forman, the scholai,
lawyer, statesman and a soldier, was
born in Tioga County, New York,
Augiist 25, ISO. He graduated at
Tnion College, Schenectady, in 1832,
studied law in Oswego, Tioga Co.,
New York. Admitted to practice in
that state in 1835, and in the Supreme
Court of the United States in 1836.
'-Te came west in 1836 and locaterl -
Vandalia, where he began the prac-
tice of his profession. In 1844 he was

elected to the Senate of Illinois, and
served one session. On the breaking
out of the Mexican War he raised a
company of volunteers, and proceed-
ed to Alton, the place of rendezvous;
was elected Colonel of the 3rd Regi-
ment, thence to Mexico, where he
proved himself a valiant soldier.

He was discharged from the ser-
vices after the Treaty of Peace, at
New Orleans, and returned to Van-
dalia and resumed his practice of the
law until the .gold fever of 1849 broke
out, when he went to California and
practiced until 1853, when he was ap-
|)ointed as Postmaster of Sacramento
City, by President Pierce, which po-
sition he held for four years.

Subsequently he held the office of
Secretary of Stale under the admin-
istration of ,Iohn B. Weller, Governor
of Califoi-nia. In ISfiO-fil he was elect-
ed by the Legislature of California
Boundary Commissioner, on the par*
of the State, to fix the boundary line
between California and the then Ter-
ritory of Utah. Soon after the com-
pletion of his services as commis-
sioner, the Governor tendered Col.
Forman the position of Colonel of the
4th Infantry, California, which he ac-
cepted. His regiment was stationed
at Fort Yuma, on the Colorado River,
and after serving twenty months and
becoming tired of barrack life, he re-
signed.

In the winter of ISfifi he returned
to Vandalia and resumed his resi
dence and the practice of his profes

138

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

^^Kjr^J^^^^^^^^^^H^b^H^s^HH^Br^ Z^^^^^^^^^K *^^9i^H^^^E ^s98i^^^^^B[

^^^I^H

1

t ■« f

.•^^r

• .- » •

■^'l'^^.'^ • ^•- ^^ .^

.jr^ "iijg^ ^^■■IpHHn^ - f.jip4 ^^^''^ "I^^HR

COMPANY L ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD.

Reading from left to right, First Row: Fred Chandler, Sergeant; Roy Chandler, 'Jd Lieutenant; Geo. Schert, Co. .Mascot; John O. Rutledge,

1st Lieutenant; Harry Loar, Sergeant; George Rutledge and Claude Ellis, Musicians.
Second Row: Myrani Cheshire, Robert Allen, William Tate, Beverly H. O'Neal, George Thompson, Wni. Card, Harry Tate, Joe Kasterday.

Third Row: William Brodbeck, Benj. Wright, James Cooper, C. A. Sidner, Othello Rutledge, Harrj' Walters, Guy Spangler.
Fourth Row: John Gaines, \Vm, Ooton, Miner Lipsey, Howard Davis, Edward Snyder. Frank Austin, John Yarbrough, Albert Oglesby.

sion. In 1S70 he was elected a mem-
ber of the Constitutional Convention,
to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Hon. Beverly W. Henry,
and in 1876 he was elected States
Attorney of Fayette County.

The Colonel continued in the prac-
tice of his profession at Vandalia un-
til December, 18SG. when he went to
California to visit his children, Sands
W. Forman, of San Francisco, and
Mrs. J. D. Peters, of Stockton. He
was now so far advanced in age that
they deemed it unadvisable for him
to return to Vandalia.

He continued to reside with his
dau.ghter, Mrs. .T. D. Peters, at Stocli-
ton, until his death, which occurred
February 11. 1S01. Comment on such
a grand man is unnecessary. His
life speaks for itself.

WILLIAM LANE CARSON.

The subject of this sketch was the
youngest son of David Carson, who

was born in Berkley County, Virginia.
April 15th. 1774, and was a soldier in
the war of 1812.

Samuel Carson, the grandfather of
William Lane, was of Irish parentage,
and came to America at the age of 16
years, and fought with Braddock in his
memorable campaign

William Lane Carson was born 15
miles east of Abin.gton, Va.. Septem-
ber 15. 1828. At the age of 6 years
his parents moved west, settling in
Bartholomew County. Indiana, re-
mainin.g there three years when they
removed to Illinois, settlin.g in that
part of Bowling Green Township, now
called Carson, and where Mr. Carson
now resides.

Mr. Carson has lived to see the
State of Illinois come up from a wil-
derness to be the .greatest State in
the Union. From boyhood Mr. Car-
son has always been a lover of fine
stock, and has taken .great interest in
the improvement of the stock in the
state and county. He was one of the

first, if not the first, man in Fayette
County to introduce thoroughbred
stock.

In 1850 he commenced improv'-
his stock, introducing Durham cattle.
Berkshire hogs and fine horses, since
which time he has added sheep and
various other kinds of cattle, hogs,
etc., always procurin.g the best money
could buy, and by reason of which
this county is indebted to Mr. Carson
in a great measure for the improve-
ment of its stock.

Mr. Carson resides on his elegant
farm in Carson Township, Fayette
County, and is a gentleman of the oli
school, and is one of the most respect-
ed and popular citizens of the County.

HENRY PELHAM HOLMES BROM-
WELL, Deceased.

Henry Pelham Holmes Bromwell
was born in Baltimore. Maryland,
August 26th, 182?,. He was descended
from the Pilgrims, his father being

SOm^ENTR OF VANDALIA. ITJJNOTS.

iLG-r-,'-..'

139

HOOT HOOT CAMPING CLUB.

Reading from left to right, First Row: Clifford Higgins, Dr. F. L. Rice, Morris Haas. Mabel Farmer-Seaman, deceased. Joe .\bernethy,

Fred Remann.

S^^cond Row: Julia Higgins, deceased, Louie Washburn, Nellie West-DuBrock, Emma Rice, Edith Hausraann, deceased.

Third Row- Jamie McCord, Nellie Doyle-Lakin, John Frye, Waverly Henry-Houston, George Houston, Maurine Morey-Denny, Charles

Weistling, Isabel Brown-McLain, Will Ritchey.

WHO? WHO? WHO?
YOU!

are invited to attend the Grand

Round Up of the

WHO'T WHO'T CLUB

given at the Opera House, Friday

Night at 7:30 p. x.
H. I). S. T. C. Kommittee."

"The aliove. printed on brown pa-
per and sealed in an envelope of like
material, was received by about thirty

Henry Broughton Bromwell, who dis-
tinguished himself in the War of
1812. and his mother being Henrietta
Holmes, of Plymouth, Mass. His par-
ents moved to Ohio in 1824. and resid-
ed in Cincinnati four years and in
Butler ccunty, Dayton and Coschoc-
ton eight .-ears. In 1836. they moved
to Illinois and located in Clark county.
In 1850, Henry P. Bromwell, the sub-

of our young people here the early
part of last week, the occasion bein,g
the final 'round np' of the camping
party, that was driven in on accotint
of the rain. The evening was spent
in dancing and a social time. Some
of the boys had prepared a surprise
for the young ladies in the shape of
several tableaux from the stage, re-
presenting the camp at Fish Lake,
which were faithful reproductions,
and brought forth rounds of applause
from the spectators. The evening

ject of this sketch, moved to Vanda-
lia. Here he studied law and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1853. In 1852,
Mr. Bromwell bou.ght out the print-
ing office of "The Fayette Yeoman,"
a newspaper formerly owned and
published by James Kennady, its edi-
tor. Mr. Kennady dying, Mr. Brom-
well bought the plant from the es-
tate, and commenced the publication

was an enjoyable one for all who
were there."

The above is from one of the local
papers, speaking of the "round up"
given by the Hoot Hoot Club.

The Hoot Hoot Camping Club was
a social organization composed of a
number of Vandalia's younger smart
set. The club was organized in 1895,
and each year its members took their
fall outing, .going always to Fish
Lake, nine miles south of Vandalia.
This Club disbanded in 1900.

of "The Age of Steam and Fire." The
Iiaper was neutral in politics. This
journal w^as ably edited by Mr. Brom-
well and its editorials were extensive-
ly copied by the leading journals of
the state and it was recognized as the
true exponent of that spirit of pro-
gress that its name indicated. Mr.
Bromwell continued to publish this
journal until 1855. when he sold the

140

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

PERSONNEL OF THE VANDALIA PRESS.
Those who are activeU' engaged in newspaper work todav.

Reading from left to right, First Row: C. F. Coleman, I':ditor Vandalia Lkader; C. G. Smith, Editor Fayette County Dkmiicr.^T; T. N. Lakin

Editor Vandaha UNION; Lon S. Matherly, Local Representative St. Louis and Chicago Dailies.

Second Row: A. F. Smith, Junior Editor and Foreman of Fayette County Democrat; Fred Carmack, Foreman of the Vandalia LEADER;

jEbSE L. Lakin, F'oreman of the Vandalia UNION; Norman Jones, Compositor, Union.
Third Row: Miss Mary Scott, Compositor. Leader; Miss Forrest Bingaman, Compositor, Union; Miss Dora Guinn, Compositor, UNION;

Miss Hazel Sawrey, Compositor, Democr.\t.

plant to Tevis Greathouse, Esq., who
changed the name to "The Fayette
Observer." Soon after Mr. Bromwell's
arimission to the bar he was elected
County Judge, which office he filled
four years. It was during his term of
office that the improvements on the
old state house were commenced,
and he and Col. Thomas B. Hickman
were the architects who designed the
new improvements.

At the close of his term as County
Judge, Judge Bromwell moved from
Vandalia to Charleston, Illinois. He
served as a Presidential Elector in
1860, as a republican, and was a Re-
presentative in Congress from 1S65 to
1869, four years, and as a member of
the Constitutional Convention of
1870.

In 1870, he moved to Colorado, lo-
cating at Denver, where he at once
commenced the practice of law. He
was elected a member of the Terri-
torial Council of 1S7.3. In 1875, he
was a member of the State Constitu-
tional Convention. In 1879, he was
elected a member of the T^egislature
of Colorado, and in 1881 was appoint-

ed by Gov. Pitkin, a commissioner to
revise the laws of the state.

Jud.ge Bromwell was the foremost
Mason of his time. Prom the time
that he became a Mason in 1854, he
being made a Mason in Temperance
Lodge No. 16 at Vandalia, and for up-
wards of thirty years he was a close
student of Masonry. So proficient
did he become that his services were
in constant demand, and he delivered
upward of a hundred lectures on the
art and science of Masonry before
lodges east and west, while twenty-
five or thirty public Masonic orations
should be placed to his credit.

Judge Bromwell in his lifetime
wrote his book on Masonry, upon
which be labored continuously for
si\ years and two months, working
.sixteen hours each day. It is a mat-
ter of sincere re.gret that this volume
thou.gh completed and ready for the
press more than a decade before his
death, was not published durin.g his
lifetime. A plan is now on foot to
have the Grand Lodges of Illinois and
Colorado to publish it. which it is
hoped will be successftil.

Judge Bromwell was one of the
most remarkable men of his time, his
primary education was very limited.
There were no free schools in Illi-
nois at the early period of his school
days and the schools in his vicinity
were few and widely scattered, but he
early in life determined to acquire
an education and cultivated habits of
study which grew with his growth,
and clung to him in his later years.
Alone and without assistance he made
himself familiar with many modern
lan.guages, reading fluently and speak-
ing readily, French, German, Spanish
and Italian. He also acquired a high
standin.g as a mathematician and a
student of the exact sciences. Be-
sides these attainments he was a
close student of belleslettres and po-
lite literature, and was a poet of
more than average ability.

Judge Bromwell was married at
Marshall, III., in 1858, to Miss Emily
F. Payne, a daughter of John W
Payne, an attorney of Southern In-
diana. Sh(^ died six years later, leav-
ing three children, of thei.e only one
remains. Miss Henrietta E., who lived

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

141

THE BURTSCHl FAMILY.

Reading from left to right. Sitting: Jos.C; Mrs. Frances Burtschi, mother, deceased;

Standing; Martin, Julius L., Daniel.

Oswald; Theodore.

with her father, and was the light of
his home in his declining years. Judge
Bromwell died at his home in Denver,
Colorado, on the morning of January
9th, 1903. He was a gentleman, law-
yer, scholar, poet, philosopher and
statesman.

HON. GEORGE H. DIECKMANN,
Deceased.

George H. Dieckmann was born m
Bniggen. Kingdom of Hanover, Ger-
many, January liith, lS2ti. His father,
Conrad H. Dieckmann. with his i°am-
ily emigrated to America in 1S.'?'J. ar-
riving at St. Louis on Christmas day.
In February, 1S40, they movf-d to Van-
dalia. The seat of .trove 'umen: liav-
ing been mcved to Spriug;icl,l th"
year before, there was but few in-
ducements to hold out to -v-ttler^ in
Vandalia. For a time Geo. H. Dieck-
mann was unable to obvpin employ-
ment, but he persevered and at last
succeeded in obtaining cmpk'jmenl
at very low wages and conlinued for
a number of years working at any-
thing honorable and remnne -ative. In
the spring of 1S47, he enlisted as a
volunteer in the war with Mexi.-^o ai.d
served until peace was declared. Re-
turning to Vandalia in 1849. he en-
gaged in farming which he followed
for a few years, and in 1S5.3 he dis-

posed of all his farming interests and
with the means thus realized he en-
gaged in the drug business which he
followed for a few years and then en-
gaged in the general merchandizing
l)iisiness. which he continued in until
his death, having accumulated quite
a fortune. Geo. H. Dieckmann was
an enterprising citizen and took a
great interest in the politics of the
day. He held many important posi-
tions, superintendent of schools in
18.59, and was twice elected to legis-
lature in 1864 and 1884, all of which
positions he filled with honor to him-
self and his constituents. To Mr.
Dieckmann the honor belongs of hav-
in.g procured the charter for the St.
Louis, Vandalia and Terre Haute
railroad company. .Mr. Dieckmann
died the 22nd day of April. 1894. leav-
ing Mrs. Elizabeth Dieckmann. his
widow, and Mrs. Sidney B. Stout and
Mrs. Henry A. Stone, his daughters,
and George E. Dieckmann, his son.
all living in Vandalia. He was a good
citizen and a man of strict integrity,
and honesty of purpose.

EZRA JENKINS,

Deceased.

Ezra Jenkins was born in Duanes-
burg, Schenectady county. New York,
on the 8th day of August, 1817. He

came west to LaSalle, Illinois, with an
engineering corps of the I. C. R. R.
in 1853, and to Vandalia in 1854.

Mr. Jenkins being a man of fine
education w'as induced to "take up"
a school, as it was then termed. In
order to get any one to take up a
school some person would canvass for
scholars, generally the one who was
to teach, and the parents who were
able to pay would subscribe for one,
two, three, four or five scholars as
the case might be at $3.00 per scholar
for a term of three months. Mr. Jen-
kins taught the school and gave such
satisfaction that he w-as kept at it
for many years. Mr. Jenkins taught
the first school in Vandalia under the
"Free School" system. He was a nat-
ural born teacher as any one who ever
attended school under him can testi-
fy that they learned more under his
tutelage than any teacher they ever
went to.

In 1856, Mr, Jenkins was school
commissioner of Fayette county and
whilst he held that oflice a decided
improvement was made In the class
of school teachers all over I'le county.
He would not issue a certifi'jate to
any one unless they could pass the re-
quired examination.

Mr. Jenkins was married to Miss
Sophia E. Healy, at Fort Plain. N. Y..
in 1841. She died September fith.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

MRS. IDA L. THEES. Deceased.

MRS. JOHN LILLEY.

I I I miitri n<

MRS. LUCY CAPPS.

18S2, and Mr. Jeukins died Aiiijnst
13th, 1901, leaving three children, ,\U>;.
Inez Fitzgerald, Mrs. Irene Higgins, of
Vandalia, and Mrs. Jennie Champlin,
of Montrose, Colorado, ilr. Jenkins
was a genial gentleman, a kind hus-
band, an indulgent father, a good
neighbor and a faithful friend.

MATTHIAS FEHREN,

Deceased.

Mr. Fehren was born in Braun-
lingen, Baden, Germany, February y,
1815. In 1832, Mr. Fehren left his
home and went to France, where he
remained about a year, when he came
to America, having neither money nor
friends. But he had the qualities that
soon make both for their possessor,
viz., good haliits, sterling integrity
and undomitable will. He was mar-
ried at Terre Haute. Indiana. May

Mist. 1842, to Miss Catherine Wahl
and soon after removed to Van Bur-
ensburg, Montgomery county, Illinois,
where he engaged in the mercantile
Ijusiness which he carried on at that
place until 1850, when he removed to
Vandalia and engaged in the same
liusiness and for nearly a quarter of
a century he was closely identified
with the commercial and religious in-
terests of the city. It was through
his efforts that the Farmers and Mer-
chants National Bank of Vandalia
was organized, and of which he was
the president until his death which
occurred April 15th. 1S74.

Mr. Fehren was noted as one of the
most charitable men of his time. A
friend to the poor and needy, and was
never known to push or oppress a
poor and unfortunate person. He
would rather have lost all one owed
him than to force and oppress him.

Mr. Fehren left surviving him Mrs.
Catherine Fehren, his widow, since
deceased, and Mrs. Jennie R. Higgins,
his daughter, wife of Dr. R. T. Hig-
gins, President of the Farmers and
Merchants Bank of Vandalia.

SIDNEY B. STOUT.

The subject of this sketch was born
near Hagarstown, Illinois, on the 18th
day of December, 1842. He was the
second son of Captain Philip Stout, of
Mexican war fame, Philip Stout and
Ferris Forman having raised a com-
pany in conjunction upon the first
call for volunteers. Ferris Forman
was elected Captain and Philip Stout.
First Lieutenant. When the volun-
teers went into rendesvouz at Alton
and the Third Illinois Infantry Regi-
ment was organized, Ferris Forman
was elected Colonel of the Regiment

A. J. BUCHANAN,

Treasurer of p^ayette County from

1894 to 1898.

RliSlDKXCE 01\HUGH SEKTOiN.

SOUVENIR OF VANDaLIA. ILLINOIS.

n;!

MRS. MAY D. STONE,

Past President Rebekah Assembly,

Illinois I. O. O. F., 1897.

MISS ELINOR BEACH.
Daushter of Mrs. Harriet K. Beach.

.MISS MINNIE .\1. GOCHENOUR,

Daughter of Mr. and .Mrs. John

Gochenour.

and Philip Stout succeeded Forman
as Captain of the Company, which
afterwards did such meritorious ser-
vice in the fields of Me.xico. Young
Sidney's education was acquired in
the common schools of Fayette coun-
ty. He, like his father, had the sol-
dier element in him and on the out-
break of the civil war and the call to
arms, he was one of the first to offer
his services to his country and
served three years during the war as
a private in Co. "F" 97th Regiment.
Illinois Infantry Volunteers. At the
close of the war in 1865. he returned
home and entered the employ of
Dieckmann and Bradley in the mer-
cantile business and continued in that
line until the dissolution of the firm,
when he entered into partnership with
Geo. H. Dieckmann in the general

merchandizing business under the
style of Dieckmann & Stout, which
partnership continued until the
death of Mr. Dieckmann, when Mr.
Stout succeeded to the business, since
which time he has carried on the
business alone. Mr. Stout was mar-
ried to Miss Ellenor Dieckmann.
daughter of Hon. Geo. H. Dieckmann,
on the 3rd day of August. 1868.

Mr. Stout is one of Vandalia's most
progressive and enterprising citizens,
always ready and willing to lend his
services and means to any enterprise
having the interest of the city at its
head, notably, the organizing of the
Paper :\Iill Company and the two coal
enterprises, both of which proved bad
investments for the stockholders, not-
withstanding which Mr. Stout still
advocates the sinking of coal shafts.

and stands ready to do his part at
any time.

Mr. Stout has always been a liberal
donor towards the churches and
while he has never been an office
seeker, he has always taken a lively
interest in politics, doing good work
for his party when opportunity offer-
ed. In politics Mr. Stout has always
lieen a staunch democrat.

WILLIAM REED.

William Reed was born in Ayer-
shire, Scotland, in 1S24, and came to
America in 1848, settling in Jackson
county, Illinois. When the construc-
tion of the I. C. R. R. w'as begun, he
entered the service of the company,
and assisted in the building of the
road through that county. In 1860, he
was promoted to the office of super-
visor of the Clinton Division, moving
his family to Vandalia. where ne con-
tinues to reside, and continued in the

PROPERTY OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN E. LYND
Who now reside in Pittsburg, Kansas.

T. J. INMAN,

Elected Coroner of Fayette County in

IfiiiO: served four years.

144

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. TLTJNOIS.

MRS. MAY COLEMAX.
Wife of State Senator Coleman. .Mrs.
Coleman served as one of the hos-
tesses of the Illinois Building of
the Louisiana Purchase E.\i)Osi-
tion.

AlAKV MARGARET LUVELESS-
EVANS, Deceased.

Who came from Knoxville, Tenu., to
Vandalia when a mere child, and
when there were but two houses
in the town.

STEPHEN DECATUR COil.MODORE
PERRY, Deceased.

An old and prominent citizen, named
after three Commodores of Ameri-
can Navy.

employ of the company until the full
of 1892, when he retired from service.
Mr. and Mrs. Reed celebrated their
golden wedding anniversary on the
14th day of February, 1904, at their
home in Vandalia with a family din-
ner at which were present all their
children, viz: Joseph, William, Alex-
ander and Mrs. Fred Carmack, all
residents of Vandalia except William,
whose home is in Carlinville. Mr.
Reed is one of Vandalia's most enter-
prising citizens, ever ready with his
support and means to advance the
interests of the city.

FRANCIS B. HALLER, M. D.,

Deceased.

Was burn at Lewistown, Mifflin Co.,
Pennsylvania. October 13th, Ib-i;
His parents, Samuel and Mary Hal-
ler, were both natives of the same
state. In 1836 the parents of Dr. Hal-
ler moved to Montgomery Co., Illi-
nois, where he received his prepara-
tory and academic training at Hills-
boro Academy, afterward I^ewistown
Academy, Pennsylvania. He studied
medicine under Dr. A. S. Haskell, then
iif Hillsliori), and suljsequently of Al-

ton, one of the most successful prac-
titioners in Western Illinois, and a
thoroughly refined and cultivated gen-
tleman. He afterwards attended lec-
tures at Rush Medical College, Chi-
cago, in 1848-9-50, and the following
winter, 1850-1, he attended lectures
at Missouri University, Medical De-
partment, where he graduated in
March, 1851. He came to Vandalia.
and immediately commenced the prac-
tice of his profession, which he con-
tinued until his death.

Dr. Haller married, on the 22nd day
of May, 1856, Miss Lue R. Higgins. a

§mm

RESIDENCI' OF LOUIS SCHT'TZ.
South 4th Street.

HON. .lOSHUA W. ROSS, Deceased.
Lawver and Ex-CoMut,\ .ludge.

Snr\-F\TR OF \'A\Tn.\LI.\. II.T.IXOTS.

14.-)

WILLIAM HAXKIXS, Deceased.
Circuit Cleik Sixteen Years.

.lOlLX I'lllLLIl'S. Defeased.
An old resident of Vaudalia.

AlliS. Ul>IVl<:ii HAIilCH,
Wife of Postmaster Habicb.

daugliter of Martin F. and Mary A.
(Edmonslone) Higgins, and sister of
Dr. Richard T. Higgins, President of
the Farmers and Merchants Banlv of
Vandalia, Illinois.

The Doctor at his death left surviv-
ing him, Mrs. L. R. Haller, his widui
and Mrs. Mary H. Strayer and Mrs.
Maude H. Everett, now residing at
Morsemere Park. Ridgefield, New
Jersey.

Dr Haller during nis life was a
member of the State Medical Soci-
ety, and its president in ISOfi. He
was at various times medical exami-
ner and pension surgeon for the
state and United States; in l>i"S he
was a trustee of Illinois Industrial
University, and for many years was
a director and Vice President ot the

National Bank of Vandalia. He v.as
also Master of Temperance Lodge.
No. 16, A. F. and A. M., for many
years, and seldom missed a meeting,
although his business was ot such a
nature that he had but liftie tpare
time. Dr. Haller was a maa ot untir-
ing perseverance, a christian gentle-
man, a kind husband and indulgent
father, and had the con;ideui.'3 and re-
spi-ft of the entire cunii.'-iulty.

A. H. WING.

Alexander Hamilton Wing died at
his residence. Rosedale Farm, Ote.go
Township, five miles east of Vau-
dalia, September 14. 189S, aged 77
years. For more than 34 years the
deceased was a conspicuous figure in

the affairs of Fayette County, during
all of which time he resided at Rose-
dale Farm. During the .greatei part
of this period he ably tilled the office
of County Surveyor. His lirgt service
was as Deputy Surveyor, under John
M. Bradford, whom he succeeded, and
liy repeated elections was continued in
office, except for one term, when he
declined the nomination, until his
death.

As a man and citizen his life was
Ijeyond reproach. He was an houor-
alile, upright, christian gentleman in
all ilie relations of life

.Mr, Wing was one of the oidesl
Odr] Fellows in this section of Illinois,
having at the time of his death ae-
liHiged to the Order neariy 55 years.
Three years previou,? 1o liis death, he

EAGLE BRICK MACHINE WORKS, FOrXDRV & MACHINE SHOP.
Betij. Craycroft & Son.

CARRIE .U. HlGl.MiUTOM,

For over fifty years a resident of

Vnnrialia.

146

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

CHAS. E. WHITE,
Proprietor of the Vandalla Marble
Works. A man who is prominent
in Sunday School and Church
work.

MRS. JOHN HELBOCK.

E. J. DIETZ,
Proprietor of the Vandalia Steam
Laundry, which has more than a
local reputation for the fine wor.'i
it turns out.

was presented by the Illinois Grand
Lodge of I. O. O. F., with a medal of
honor, he having at that time com-
pleted a half century of membership
in that Order. The occasio]i was made
an imposing one. The local lodges
of Vandalia celebrated the event v/ith
a banquet and entertainment. The
officers of the Grand Lolge were pres-
ent, and representatives from a num-
ber of sister lodges were present to
witness the ceremonies. Mr. Wing
joined the Order in Tennessee, and
afterwards became a member of
Boone Lodge, No. 1, at Louisville, Ky..
in which lodge he retained his mem-
bership till his death.

The deceased was born in Erie, Pa.,
in 1821, and in his boyhood days
moved to Ohio. He studied civil en-
gineering in Cincinnati, and later he

came a clerk on a steamboat plying
between Cincinnati and New Orleans.
He was also in the furniture business
in Louisville, Kentucky, for a number
lii years. Abandoning steam boati
be came with his family to St. Louis,
where he continued to reside till 1865,
when he removed to Vandalia and set-
tled on Rosedale Farm. During his
residence in St. Louis he filled several
positions of honor and trust, the last
one being a clerkship in the St. Louis
postoffice.

During his .34 years" residence in
Fayette County he became the friend
of everybody with whom he came
contact, and none knew him but to
respect him for his sturdy worth.

Surviving him are Mrs. Ann Win-
his wife, now Mrs. Mortimer, wife of
Harry Mortimer, editor of the St,

Louis Journal of Agriculture; a son,
John T. Wing, and a granddaughter.
Miss Nellie Wing, The funeral ser-
vices were held at the Presbyterian
church Saturday morning, September
17, Rev. H. A. Grubb officiating.

Committees from the local lodges
I, O. O. F., and the Daughters of Re-
bekah acted as an escort, and had
charge of the services at the grave.
The remains were laid to rest in
South Hill Cemetery, in the family lot.
This Ijeautifui burying ground was
laid out by Mr. Wing in 1869.

CHARLES C- WAGNER, Deceased.
Charles C. Wagner was born Aug-
ust 7th, 1841, and came with his pa-
rents to Vandalia in 1852. They, like
the average emigrants of that day.

MR. AND MRS. EUGENE WHITE-
MAN.
Who now reside in Chicago.

RLSIDB.MCK OF CAPTAIN ANDREW KAY.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

147

JOHN JENKINS. Deceased.
Served throughout, the Civil \\ dr.
Was prominent in local tii-aul
Army circles.

.MRS. CKU. \V. UROWN.
Was Treasurer of the Woman's Foi-
elgn Missionary Society of the M.
E. Church for twenty years.

.I.\.\1ES M. MAMON, Deceased.
For many years a resident of Fay-
ette County: a man noted for his
sterling worth.

were poor, but honest, industrious and
not afraid to work, and Charles, like
his parents, worked at anything he
could find to do that was honorable.
After a few years he entered the
store as a clerk with Col. Frederick
Remann, with whom he remained a
short time, and went with Mr, M
Fehren, as a clerk m his store, witlj
whom he remained for many years
when Mr. Fehren took him in a? £
partner, and the business was carriec
on in the name of M. Fehren & Co,
until Mr. Fehren retired from active
mercantile life. Mr. Wagner carried
on the business by himself until 187ii,
when he formed a partnership with

Kclward L. W'ahl and C. W. Gerichs,
under the name of Wagner, Wahl &
Co. Several years after Mr. Wahl
retired from the firm, and Mr. Wagner
and Mr. Gerichs carried on the busi-
ness. After a few years Mr. Gerichs
retired and entered into business for
aimself, and Mr. Wagner took Thos.
N. Pitkin into the business, which was
carried on in the name of Wagi'.ei &
l^itkin until .Mr. Wagner's death,
Which occurred January 18, 1890, at
Saii Antonio, Texas, where Mr. Wag
ner had gone to seek relief.

Mr. W'agner enjoyed the distinction
of being the first Mayor of Vandalia,
having been elected to that officf on

the organization of the city in 1869.
He was afterwards elected to fill the
same position in 1884, 85 and 86. In
1S77 he was elected County Treaf^ur-
er and served in that capacity for two
years.

Mr. Wagner was a whole-souled,
generous man. No poor person ever
appealed to him in vain. This faculty
made him very popular with that
class, and they never failed to sup-
port him when he came before the
people.

He left surviving him, Mrs. Mary
Wagner, his widow, and Miss Lorecta
Wagner, his daughter, both residing
at Vandalia.

FORD MANUFACTURING Co. I'Al'EK MILL .V kooMXG PLANT.

MRS. ELLA L. OlECKMANN,
Wife of Geo, A, A, Dieckmana.

148

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

L. CJ. HEAIEU, Deceased.
Passenger and Freight agent of Illi-
nois Central Railroad Com;)ariy
for 2 5 years. Served in this la-
pacity with the I. C. and Vandalia
Line jointly for seven years.

MRS. L. (i. REMER.

MRS. C. GLOEDE,
One of Vandalia's sturdy Gei-nian
women, who has for thirty years
been the head of the Gloede Wa-
gon and Carriage Mfg. Co., and
notwithstanding she has had
strong competition from local
dealers, she has made a suoceso
in Wagon and Carriage buildl'ig.

STEPHEN DECATUR COMMODORE
PERRY. Deceased.

The suljject of this slietch was a de-
scendant of and named after three dif-
ferent Commodore Perry's viz: one
Commodore Perry, of Lake Erie fame;
Commodore Perry, who served with
General .Jackson in Florida during the
Seminole War; Commodore Perry, an
Adjutant under General .Jackson at
the battle of New Orleans. He was

liiuu at Nashville, Tennessee, June 4,
I SIT, and in 1824 emigrated to Illinois,
settling in Edgar County, where he
remained one year and moved to Van-
dalia. In 1828 he was bound out to
Newlin Lee, and was taken to Mor-
gan County, living there until he was
3(1 years old, when he removed to
Siiringfield.

In 1838 he was married to Lavina
Beach, of Spring Creek, Sangamon
County. To this uuicm ten children

were born, nine boys and one girl,
seven living until their majority. In
184.5 he removed with his family to
Fayette County, and located seven
miles south of Vandalia, on the farm
on which he died May 5th, 1893. His
wife, Lavina, preceded him three
years, dying on the 2Sth of Septem-
ber, 1890, 70 years of age. Four chil-
dren, all boys, survive. All are mar-
ried and live at and near Shobonier.
Illinois.

DAVID M. DIXON,

Well Known Citizen and Second-hand
Furnittire Dealer.

INTERIOR VIEW OF BEATER ROOM
The I'^ord Maniifacturin.c; Co's. Paper Mill atid Roofing Plant.

SOU\'EXIR OF \'.\\I)ALIA, U.I.IXOIS.

19

IDA M. and GRACE JI..
Cliilrtien of .lohn W. Kurtz.

DAXIEL KALEY.
Elected Clerk of Vandalia Township
in Spring, 190 4. Mr. Kaley is a
plasterer by trade, and is very sus-
ressful in this line.

J. P. BOLIN,

ri'strict Manager of New York Life

Insurance Company.

ANDREW BOURLAND, Ileceased.

Andrew Pnnrland was liorn in Scjutb
Carolina in 1794. He was a son of
Rev. John Boiirland. an able and pop-
ular Baptist minister, who, with his
family, moved to Christian County.
Kentucky, in the early part of the
last century. Here Andrew was ma
ried to a dau,ghter of a Captain .John
Reese. Mr. Bourland went with his
family to the Indian Nation, then in
Alabama, and taught school amon.s
the Choctaws and Chickasaws and a
few white settlers for few years, and
then returned to Kentucky, settling in
Trigg County, where he became the
rogiilar school master for many years.

In IS36 Mr. Bourland came to Van-
dalia and accepted a clerkship in the
office of Hon. Levi Davis, State Aud'
tor. Afterwards he was appointed
Post Master in 1S39. He died in 1S42.
and is buried in the old cemetery at
Vandalia.

He left quite a large family, among
whom are Hon. B. L. T. Bourland. of
Peoria, 111.; Mrs. Susan Bradley and
Dudley Bourland. of Effin.gham. 111.

COL. ROBERT BLACKWELL.

Col. Blackwell was born in Frank-
fort. Kentucky, February Ifith, 1792,
emigrated to Kaskaskia, where he
became an editor in 1816, and on the

removal of the seat of governiuenl.
he came to Vandalia. where he pub-
lished the first newspaper in the
county. He was a man of versatile
talents and of a genial and clever dis-
position. He ranked for many years
among the prominent and bright in-
tellects of the State. Col. Blackwell
was married three times. His first
wife was a Miss Stapp. a sister of Col.
James T. B. Stapp. His second wife
was Miss Angelina Eccles. a sister
of Captain Joseph T. Eccles and his
third wife was Miss Mary Jane Slus-
ser, daughter of Philip Slusser. Col.
Blackwell died April 30th, 1866. His
widow still survives at an advanced
a.ge. also bis daughter. Mrs. Mary J.

INTERIOR VIEW OF MACHINE ROOM
The Ford Mauulacturing Go's. Paper Mill aud Roofing Plant.

\V. M. KOCLEK,
President First National Bank.

loO

SOUVtNIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

PASCHAL Sl'l RGESS HICKMAN,
Youngest son of Dr. and Mrs. r. G
Hickman. Was a student in the
University of Tennessee at Knox-
ville. Now engaged on (Jovern-
nient work. Naval SI at ion, .V.'w
Orleans.

H. Blackwell. and Mrs. John .1. Brown
residing at Vandalia. one other son.
Gillmore. residing at Wellington. Kan-
sas, Joseph R. Blackwell, a son resid-
ing at St. Paul. Minnesota, and Chas.
Thomas B. is supposed to lie in the
gold diggin,gs of Alaska.

Col. Blackwell was Territorial Au-
ditor in 1S17, Public Printer, 1818 to
1832; Member of House of Represen-
tatives of the State, 1S32 to 1834 and
1834 to 183fi, and State Senator from
1838 to 1840.

HON. DANIEL GREGORY.

Judge Gregory was tioiu in the
State of New York, Januai-v 12th.

HAROI.i) mOACll,
Son of Mrs. Harriet K. Beacli, who is
taking a law course at the Cham-
paign (111.) Univei'sily.

.MRS. EUGRNIA HICKMAN.
Wife of Dr. T, G. Hickman, deceased.
A native of .\ashville. Tenn. Has
been a resi lent of Vandalia thiv-
ty-two years: a typical Southern
lady of rare social attainment .=;.

18119. emigrated to Illinois in is:!:l, lo-
cating at Shelliyville, where he re-
sided until lS4fi, when he was ap-
pointed Receiver of the Land Office
at V'audalia to which place he remov-
ed and resided at until his death.

HARRY ANDERSON HICKMAN.
Son of Dr. and Mrs. T. G. Hickman,
who is a graduate of the Univer-
sity of Tennessee at Knoxville,
havin.g .graduated from that insti-
tution in the Mechanical and Civil
Engineering department in ISS'J.
Sei-ved in the Spanish-American
War, being a member of Companj'
"E." Fourth Tennessee Regiment,
which was located for several
months at Sancti Spinitus, Cuba.
Now employed on Government
Works, Naval Station at New Or-
leans.

L^ Z^M

CITY WATER WORKS PUMP STATION.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

151

MRS. K. C. .MEEK (nee) STARNES.

.\Ii;S. .JOSEl'H REED.

MRS, JOHN AMSLER.

which occurred September 14th, 1S76.
He was elected county judge in lS4St.
and in 1S52 was again appointed re-
ceiver of the land office and served
until the office was removed to Spring-
field. Was elected a member of the
House of Representatives in lS.5(i. He
married Miss .Julia A. Martin October
29th. 1837. She was a native of Todd
county, Kentucky. She died April
24th, 1852.

Jttdge Gregory left surviving him
three daughters. Miss Josephine Gre-
gory, Mrs. Julia A. Fouke. and Mrs.
Sarah G. Capps, all residing at Van-
dalia. Judge Gregory's home was the
scene of social and friendly gatherings
and it was the greatest pleasure to
him to entertain his friends and ac-
quaintances at any and all times. "In

all the relations of private life and in man. a faithful friend, a good neigh-
nfflcial position, he was always a true bor and an upri.ght citizen."

DR. THOS. G. HICKMAN, Des'd.
One of Vandalia's most promirient
Physicians and Surgeons for many
years.

F. D. SCOTT.
The oldest printer living, who learned the trade in Vandalia.

152

SOUVEXTR OF \'AXDALIA, ILLINOIS.

DR. JAMES T. B. STAPP,
Deceased.

The father and mother of the sub-
ject of this sketch were born in Vir-
ginia. The father was a soldier of the
Revolutionary War at the close of
which he and his wife moved to Wood-
ford county. Kentucky, where the
subject of this sketch was born
April 13th, 1SU4, and where he lived
and attended school until twelve
years of age. when his parents moved
to Kaskaskia. 111. where he finished
his education. He was engaged as a
clerk in the auditors ofBce while in
his teens with Elijah C. Berry, state
auditor. On the 29th day of August.
1S31. Governor John Reynolds ap-
pointed him to the office of auditor,
which position he held nearly five
years, the legislature electing him
twice to the position. He resigned
the ofBce of auditor to accept the po-
sition of cashier of the State Bank of
Illinois.

Dr. Stapp was aid de camp to Gov-
ernor Reynolds during the Black
Hawk War, and served during the war
with Mexico as Adjutant of the 3rd.
Ills. Tnftry.

T^non the election of General Tay-
lor to the Presidency. Dr. Stapp was
anpointed Receiver of the T.and Office
at Vandalia. He served through Fill-
more's term and Pierce's until the
summer of 1S.55. when he resigned
with a view of changing his residence
which he did in 1S57. removing to De-
catur, Illinois.

Dr. Stapp was a very benevolent
man and it is said of him that he gave
one-half of his earnings to benevo-
lence and charity. As an evidence
of his generositv he gave $]2.ona to-
wards the erection of the beautiful
Chanel in Decatur which bears his
name, a striking, but not a solitary
instance of his munificence.

iESlDBNCE OF T. X. LAKIN.
North 1st Street.

He was an acute observer of men
and manners, a gentleman much of
the old school, hospitable, genial and
of enga.ging manners. In early man-
hood he was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Conner, who died within
one year, and he never married again.
He died in Decatur, 111., several years
ago at a ripe old a,ge.

COL. FREDERICK REMANN.
Deceased.

Frederick Remann was born at Rie-
den. City of Hanover, Germany. April
inth, lSn7. His parents emigrated to
America and settled in Vandalia in
1S20. They were members of the cel-
ebrated "Ferdinand Ernst Colony."

The business of Col. Remann dur-
ing his long and eventful life was va-

ried in character, yet marked by thai
rectitude and honesty which char-
acterized his whole life.

He enlisted in the Black Haw'
War in 1S32. He was appointed Di-
vision Quartermaster with the rank of
"Colonel." In 1833 he opened a
.grocery store in Vandalia. which he
carried on some five or six years,
when he moved to his farm at Hagars-
town, where he remained until IS49.
ITpon the breaking out of the gold fe-
ver he crossed the plains to Califor-
nia, remainin.g there several years.
when he returned to his farm at
Hagarstown. where he resided tintil
1S5.5. when he moved to Vandalia and
engaged in the mercantile b\isiness.
which he followed until his death,
which occurred .June 19th. 1S7'.

Col. Remann married Miss .Julia A.,
the daughter of Col. William C.
Greenup. She died in 1.'552, and in
IS.'il he was married to Mrs. Mary .T.
.Jerauld, now deceased. Col. Remann
served one term in the House of Re-
presentatives of the State in 1846.

roL.

\\M. T.FK T).

Deceased.

EWrVG.

Ri-;sn»i-:xcH oi-^ min:s. (;i-:o. w, maukv.

South Till Street.

Mr. Ewiug was born in Kentucky.
Au.gtist 31st, 179S, and came lo Illi-
nois when nuite youn.g. He vas a
man of fine education and polished
manners. He was anpointed "eceiver
of p\ihlic moneys at Vandalia S' on
after the organization of the State,
and was a Colonel in the Black Hawk
War. He was Clerk of the House in
Ihe Fifth and Sixth General .\ssem-
blies; in the Seventh General Assem-
bly he was Speaker of the House.
In the Eighth he was president pro
tern of the Senate.

Having been elected a member of
the State Senate and President pro
torn of the Senate in the Ninth Ccnera!
Assembly, TJeuti nant Governor Casey
resigning. Mr, E ving became Lieuten-

1

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS.

153

.MRS. GEO. A. KURTZ, (nee Swift.)

Pornier Instructor of Music in the

Vandalia Public Schools.

.\iiss iii<:Li.f; .-;\ii mi..
Assislttnt Count.v Treasurer.

.MISS BLANCHE SOXNE.MAXX,

Eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.

G. Sonnemann.

ant Governor, and Governor Reynolds
resigning to become a member of
congress. Mr. Ewin.g filled the interim
from November 17th. 1834, to Decem-
ber 3rd. 1S34. seventeen days, until
Governor Duncan qualified.

He was a member of the Tenth
General Assembly, Member and
Speal<er of the House in the Eleventh
and Twelfth, and again Clerk of the
Thirteenth. fl842.)

December 29th, 1835, he was elect-
ed United States Senator to succeed
Senator Elias Kent Kane, deceased
In 1.S42 he was elected State Auditor
on the ticket with Governor Ford but
did not qualify until after his term as
Clerk of the House expired.

He died March 26th. lS4fi. while in
office. He was a lawyer by profes-
sion, and one of the most popular men
in the State in his time.

Mr. Ewins was Clerk. Speaker,
Pres'denl pro tem. United States Ser

ator. Governor, Clerk of the House
again, and finally Auditor of Public
Accounts. His remains are interred
in Oak Ridge cemetery. Springliold,
Illinois.

A. B. WEST.

A. B. West was liorn near Erie. Fa .
November fi, 1822, and came to this
county in 1841, He engaged in teach-
ing school until his marriage to Miss

Ann E. Davidson, of near tliis place,
February 28, 1847. For several years
thereafter he resided on a farm on
Four Mile Prairie, but left the farm
to accept the position of Deputy Cir-
cuit Clerk under Circuit Clerk Janie
Berry. In the fall of 1855 he moved
to Vandalia. and projected th^ fii-st
enterprise of note in the then voung
city, establishing a woolen mill near
the depot.

In lSfi6-67 he erected a large brick

MRS. M. J. SMOHL.

""resident cf Florence Nightingale

Circle, No. 60, Ladies G. A. R.

SCENE AT THE DEE^OT

Citizens awaiting-the^returu of Co. I, Illinoisi\'()kuUecrs, from the

Spanish-American War, May 4th, 1899.

154

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

FRED STEINHAUER

One of Vandalia's young German

Business Men.

JOHN ROTH, Tobacconist.

Manufacturer of ttie "Vandalia," a

celebrated brand of cigara.

JOHN HELBOCK.

One of Vandalia's representative

German citizens.

building on Fifth street, which is
still standing, and which served the
double purpose of a woolen and flour-
ing mill.

His first wife, whose picture is here
shown, died in 1876, and he was sub-
sequently married to Mrs. Rickerson,
of Gillispie, 111., who still survives
him. To his first wife were born sev-
en children, three of whom died in in-
fancy, and a fourth. Mrs. Amy Phil-
lips, at Galveston. Texas. October 15.
1903. Three are still living: Eugene
V. West, Granite Falls. Washington;
Mrs. Viola Coon, Farina. Illinois, and
Mrs. Lillie Burr, Akron, Ohio,

As a citizen, he was progressive, in
politics a republican, and in religion
a Methodist. He died December 26,

1896, aged 74 years. 1 month and 20
days.

AUGUST H. DIECKMANN,
Deceased,

Mr. Dieckmann was born in Brug-
,gen, Kingdom of Hanover, Germany,
May 14, 1820, and emigrated to Amer-
ica with his parents in 1839, arriving
at St. Louis on December 25th,
in that year, where he remained about
two months, when his father moved
his family to Vandalia, arriving here
the latter part of February, 1840. The
family all being poor had to work at
anything they could .get to do that
was honorable. After a few years Mr.
Dieckmann was tendered a position

as clerk in the wholesale and retail
store of Mr. Capps, where he contin-
ued until 1850, when he had by strict-
est economy and self-denial accumu-
lated some money and concluded to
engage in business for himself. Mr.
Capps. having entire confidence in
him. assisted him in the purchase of
his stock of goods. He started in
business at Griffiths, six miles east of
Vandalia. where he remained a few
years and then moved to Howards
Point, near where the town of St.
Elmo now stands. He continued in
business at that point until 1854, when
he removed his stock to Vandalia.
where he continued merchandising
until his death.

Mr. Dieckmann was one of the most

A r.MLkOAD \ lliW, LOOKING E.\ST FROM THE OK.WV K1\BK

JOHN SHIRLEY, Deceased.

Ex-Representative and E.t-Sheriff of

Fayette County.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, II.I.INOIS.

Ifin

MRS. WILLIAM HAXKIXS.
Widow of William Hankins, Ex-Cir-
cuit Clerk of Fayette County. 111.

MRS. H. S. HUMPHREY.
Who with her husband celebrated
their fiftieth wedding anniversary
May, 1901.

MARY E. SAYLES.

For over forty years a resident of

Vandalia.

enterprising citizens Vandalia has
ever had. He was always ready to
lend a helping hand to any improve-
ments that would be of any benefit to
the city. Generous, he gave liberally
to the churches and the poor. He
died the 13th day of April, 1SS7.

HON. JOHN P. VAN DORSTON,

Deceased.

John P. Van Dorston was born in
Centre county, Pennsylvania. .January
22nd, 1837, and moved with his fath-
er's family to Kendall county. Illinois,

when quite young. Here he received
his rudimentary education in common
schools, afterwards attended and grad-
uated from the Rock River Seminary
at Mt: Morris, in the spring of 18.58.
and immediately after became a stu-
dent of law in the law office of Helme
& Crothers, and was admitted to prac-
tice in the fall of 1859.

In the spring of 1860. he opened an
office in Oswego. Kendall county.
On the breaking out of the rebellion
he enlisted in the Fourth Illinois Cav-
alry, commanded by Col. T. Lyle
Dickey. He was Orderly Sergeant

for a time and afterwards Adjutant
of the First Battalion with the rank
of Lieutenant. The principal battles
in which he participated were Fort
Henry and Fort Donaldson. He took
part in several other minor engage-
ments principally in Western Ten-
nessee, and was honorably discharged
in the summer of 1863.

Upon his return from the army he
selected Vandalia as a location to re-
sume his practice. In November.
]Sfi3, he formed a partnership with
George R. Fitch, an able lawyer.
They continued together nearly two

■

r

=1

■

^1

I *

WmsL.

^1

1

I

i

jjH

.••>^^.>^^l

^M

m

/ m. '-i

4.''CSk9^^|

H

W^^

m

o ^1
m ^H

HENRY SEFTON,
Ex-Sheriff, pioneev and highly re-
spected citizen. Was the officer
who arrested Nathan Burgess, the
slayer of Ji seph Robbins, a
watchman on the Vandalia Rail-
road Bridge east of Vandalia.

FOUR WELL KNOWN PIONEER CHARACTERS.

Reading from left to right: Wm. H. Lee, Shobonier, aged 92; Francis

Biuion. Vernon, aged lO-t; Rev. Henj. Mahon, dec'd., .\vena, aged SI;

Benjamin Franklin Lee, Shobonier, aged 88.

156

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

MRS. C. G. SONNEMANN,
(nee Remer.)

MRS. OLIVIA WHITEMAN,

Who has been a citizen of Vandalia

for over sixty years.

MRS. ILLINOIS FARMER.
Wife of Circuit Judge W. M. Farmer.

years when Mr. Pitch died. He after-
wards formed a partnership with
Ziba S. Swan. In 1S65, he was elect-
ed county judge, and in 186S was
elected state senator, and in 1874 was
appointed United States District At-
torney for Southern Illinois. His most
noted case was the prosecution of the
celebrated Driggs' counterfeit case,
in which many of the ablest lawyers
of Sprin.sfield were bis opponents.
He resigned in February, 1876. return-
ing to his old practice in Vandalia.
Judge Van Dorston was married
June 22nd, 1864. to Miss Alice M.
CofHn, a daughter of Frederick Coffin,
one of the leading merchants of Os-
wega, Illinois. He was a man of fine
legal ability and a sound lawyer. He
was not endowed with a rare gift of
oratory or eloquence, but was a lo.gi-
cal thinker. He died young. Had he

lived he would undoubtedly have been
honored higher. He died on the
day of 18S0.

HON ROBERT W. ROSS.

Robert W. Ross was born in Fay-
ette County, Illinois, on December 31,
1843, but has resided in Vandalia his
entire life. At the a.ge of nine years
he worked in the office of H. P. H.
Bromwell, v/ho was at that time edi-
tor and proprietor of "The Age of
Steam and Fire." When not attend-
ing the common schools, he also
worked in the office of Tevis Oreat-
house. who bought out Mr. Brom-
well's office, and who changed the
name of the paper to "The Payette
Observer," and afterwards on "The
Fayette Democrat" under the manage-
ment of Carmen and Flynn. He was

educated in the common schools of
the town, and later on at Tuscarora
Academy, in Juniata county, Pennsyl-
vania. Upon his return from the
Academy, he was appointed Deputy
County Clerk, under Charles W.
Jenks, County Clerk, in 1862, where
he continued until 1865. when he re-
signed to accept a clerkship in the
store of Benjamin Capps. which posi-
tion he occupied for one year, and be-
ing offered a position in the drug
store of Dr. Geor.ge L. Jackson, at a
much lar.ger salary than Mr. Capps
thought he could afford to pay. accept-
ed the same. Mr. Ross continued in
that position for two and one half
years, when he was tendered the posi-
tion of Deputy Circuit Clerk under
Mr. William Hankins. He remained
in that po'sition until the summer of
1872, when he was nominated by the

RESIDENCE OF I'KOF. j. I). Cul.l.ixs.
South 5th Street.

COL. THOMAS B. HICKMAN.
A prominent architect and builder.
Drew the plans of present Court
House when remodeled in 1857.

SOUVENIR OF \'ANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

l:.7

f^

.^^Mi.

KcadDii^ 'nnn U't to right, Miss Caroline Amslcr, Mrs.
JohnKcith ('kt \msler), Mrs. Jennie Engler (nee.Vmsler).

KL.iiIni;

1 ] liu li> iiglil. Miss ti.sttlla i'liLiici

|. .\I. AlliL-rl, anil son Willie.

.\li

lienujeratic party for that office, but
ov.iir.'. to the disaftection in itie party,
over the nomination of Horace Greely
for president, he was defeated by
eleven votes. He then engaged in
I lie real estate and loan business. In
1'^TS, he was elected coroner of Fay-
"tte connty. In 1875, he was elect-
"■I assistant clerk of the House of
Representatives of the state. In
|S7fi. tjip democratic party again nom-
inated him for the office of circuit
clerk and was elected by a handsome
majority and w-as elected to succeed
himself in ISSO. After the expiration
of his term as circuit clerk, he re-
mained in the office as deputy, under
Mr. William G. Thompson, his suc-
cessor, until August, 1886, when he
was appointed by President Cleveland
as Recorder of the General Land
Office at Washington, D. C. which po-
sition he held until April. 1889, when
he resigned and returned to Vanda-
lia. In 1893. Mr. Ross was elected by
the democratic caucus of the House

MRS. \VM. REED. Sr.
W'lio Willi lier husband celebrated
their (Jolden Wedding February
14, 1904.

of Representatives of the state, chief
< leik by acclamation, and in 1S9S),
he was elected a member of the
House of Representatives. Since
which time Mr. Ross has been en-
gaged at work in the circuit clerk's
and county clerk's office until the
last year.

HON.

FREDERICK REMANN,
Deceased.

Fredericlv Remann, the only son of
Col. Frederick Remann, deceased,
was born at Hagarstown, Illinois, on
the Itlth day of May, 1847. He was
reared at Vandalia, where he resided
all his life. He enjoyed all the ad-
vantages afforded by the common
schools of that city. In 1862, feeling
I he necessity of a more extended and
thorough education, lie matriculated
in Tuscarora Academy, Juanita Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, where he made
creditable progress. He afterwards
took a course of instruction in the
Commercial College at Pittsburg.

.\fter this he returned to Vandalia,

and on the call being issued for 100-
i.nij volunteers to serve I'jl) days, lit
enlisted in Co. "E," 143d Regimenl,
Illinois Infantry, which did garrison
duty at Memphis, Teui... and Helena,
Ark., in 1864.

Upon being mustered out, he re-
turned to Vandalia, and was taken
into partnership with his father in
the meixantile busmaso. Upon the
death of his father, which occuned
in June, 1873, Mr. Remann succeedeil
to I he business, which he carried on
until his death. Mr Kemaiin was
very en.h'isiastic, and to<d; groac in-
terest in anything he undertook, but
lucire especially in politics.

In 1S76, he was elected member of
the House of Representatives of the
State, where he made a creditable rec-
ord. In 1894, he was nominated for
Congress by his party, republican, in
a district overwhelmingly democratic,
but owing to the great disaffection in
ihe democratic ranks Mr. Remann
was elected by a large majority, but
he was destined never to fill the place.
He overworked himself in the hard

KBSIDKNCE OF CHAKLHS H. .MILLS.
East Madison.

158

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

HOME OF DAN KALEY.

HON. ROBERT A. CAMPBELL,
A former citizen and Attorney at
Law, now residing at Hutchinson,
Kansas.

campaign tlirough which he passed
that brought on a sicl<ness from which
he never recovered. He died on the
14th day of July, 1S95, in the prime of
life.

Mr. Remann was married November
13th, 1873, to Miss Julia A. Gordon,
daughter of Rev. Joseph Gordon.

Mr. Remann was an enterprising
citizen, generous, honest and industri-
ous, a kind husband, an indulgent
father, a good neighbor and a faithful
friend. His widow and one son, Fred-
erick, survive him and reside in Van-
dalia.

HON. JACOB FOUKE,

Deceased,

Judge Fouke was born at Harpers

Ferry, Virginia, December 25th, 1836.
In 1S4U, his father removed from Vir-
ginia to Bond County, Illinois, where
they remained a short time, remov-
ing thence to Edwardsville, JIadison
County, and subsequently to Belle-
ville, St. Cair County. In 1850, Judge
Fouke at the age of 14 years left
home in quest of a fortune, going to
St. Louis, where he sold newspapers
in the day time and slept wher«ver
he could find a place to protect him
from the inclemency of the weatSier.
Shortly thereafter he secured a place
with a surveying party as chain car-
rier during the construction of the
Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. Ib
1852. he went to Greenville, where he
secured a position in the store of
Thomas W. Smith & Co. In 1853, he

first came to Vandalia and secured a
place with James Breeze to drive a
team that was on the work of con-
struction of the Illinois Central Rail-
road. In 1854, he returned to Green-
ville and commenced the study of the
law under Tevis Greathouse. He was
such a close student that in 1855 he
passed his e.\amination and was ad-
mitted to practice. He returned to
Vandalia, which place he had selected
for his future home, February 15th,
J 856, where he continued to reside
until his death. In 1857, he was
elected Justice of the Peace in Vanda-
lia for four years. In 1861, he was
nominated by the democracy as
County Judge, and was elected and
held the ofiice for four years, and in
iSTo, was elected a member of the

GEOR(!E MEEK.

IIO-ME OF FREU KICHAKUSON, N. Gth'Strcct.

SOTTVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

159

f

MRS. ELIZABETH SONNEMANN,

Deceased.
Wife of Christian A. Sonneinann.

RESIDENCE OF JAMES W. EAKIN.
North 5th Street.

House of Representatives. In 1877,
he was again elected County Judge.
November 6, 1888, he was elected
Judge of the Circuit Court vice Wm.
R. Welch, deceased, and re-elected
June 1st, 1891. He continued on the
bench until April 1897. when he

died from injuries received in the
memorable cyclone at East St. Louis.
Judge Fouke was a man of the strict-
est integrity, a staunch friend, and
one whose character and ability were
unimpeachable

THOMAS G. HICKMAN, M. D.,
Deceased.

Dr. Hickman was born at Lexing-
ton, Kentucky, March 20th, 1828, and
came to Vandalia with his parents in
the early 30's. His father, Col. Thos.
B. Hickman, was an architect and

builder, and Dr. Hickman, after arriv-
ing at mature years,' adopted the same
profession, which he followed until
about 1855, when he commenced the
study of medicine under Dr. Francis
B. Haller, of Vandalia, and attended
lectures at Lexington, Kentucky,
where he graduated about 1S59. He
immediately commenced the practice
of medicine, and continued the samp
until the Civil War broke out, when
he secured a position as Contract Sur-
geon at the Union Hospital at Nash-
ville, Tenn. On the first of Seiiic-jn-
ber, 1862, Andrew Johnson, then Gov-
ernor of Tennessee, commissionea
him as surgeon in the Qrst Middle
Tennessee Cavalry, which position he
held until the close of the war, when
he was mustered out at Greenville,
Tennessee, in May 1865, and returned
to his old home, Vandalia, where he

resumed his practice of medicine and
surgery, at which he continued until
his death, which occurred Sep ember
21, 1899.

Dr. Hickman was a man of high
sense of honor, and a most estimable
citizen and gentleman, an Inuulgent
husband, a kind father and a faithful
friend.

COL. ROBERT K. McLAUGHLIN,
Deceased.

Col. McLaughlin was born in Vir-
ginia, October 25th, 1779. Before he
attained his majority he went to Ken-
tucky, where he remained a short
time and came to Illinois, locating at
Belleville, in the practice of his pro-

RESIDENCE OF MRS. MARTHA ELMORE.
South 8th Street.

J. W. BROWNING.

For many years the leading Pho-
tographer of Vandalia, now a resi-
dent of Jacksonville, Illinois.

160

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

BKOOK DALE.

This private pleasure resort is located three miles east of Vandalia, on Brookdale Farm, the property of Geo D.

Stcinhaiicr. Reading from left to right, they are Wm. Shonk, Mrs. Wm. ShonU, Mrs. P. O. Koehier, P. O. Koehler,

Airs. Geo. D. Steinhaiier. Geo. D. Steinhaiier, Miss Xora I>nrhin, Miss Estella Shonk

LOOKING NORTH FROM STURGESS' HILL.

.-Xei'ording to the (ieodetic Survey made in 1880, this is the highest

point of land between St. Louis and Indianapolis.

.\li\nager

J. T. FKRINE,

of lloiris Go's.

House.

Ponltrv

SOUVKNTR OF VANDALTA, TTJJNOTS.

161

WESCOl r CllAPHL M. E. CHTKCH SOUTH.
Four miles south-west of X'aiidalia. •

J AS. A. BOGGS.
\Vho has worked at the caopenter
trade ir Vaudalia for nearly sixty-
years. Helped to build the cupola
on the Old Stat^ House.

fession. the law. On August 2nd,
1S19, he was appointed State Treas
urer vice John Thomas, deceased, and
immediately removed to Vandalia.
where he continued to reside until
his death, which occurred .May 29th.
1862.

It is related of him that during the
time he was State Treasurer nothing
could induce him to temporarily use

the funds of the State lying idle in
his hands. He was Register of the
United States Land Office at Vanda-
lia from 1s:i7 to 1845, a member of
the House of Representatives 1820,
and of the Senate 1830.

He was married to Miss Isabella
Bond, a daughter of N. Bond, one of
the prominent men of his time, in
1S15. She was the sister of Shadrach

B(nid, the first Governor of Illiuois.
She was born in Fredericksburg,
Maryland, September 9th, 1772. She
came with her father to St. Clair
county, Illinois, when a child, and
came to Vandalia with her husband in
1S19, where she resided until her
death, which occurred June 5th, 1868.
Col. and Mrs. McLaughlin were ex-
tremely social in their dispositions

B. FLOYD BENNETT.
Student of College of Dental Surgery.

CITY WATER TOWER.

162

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

AUGUSTLX B. WEST AND ANN E. WEST, HIS WIFE, (Deceased).
Old and prominent residents of Vaudalia.

MRS. CYNTillA HICKMAN
aud her grandehild, Lida Burnside.

and their house was the centre around
which gathered the beauty and fash-
ion of the early days. Mrs. McLaugh-
lin was one of the most popular and
beloved women at the old capital and
in later years.

HON. JOSHUA W. ROSS, Deceased.

Joshua W. Ross was born at Madi-
sonville, Ky., June 12th, 1817. His
early life was passed much the same
as most country boys of that time,
working on a farm and occasionally
going to school.

In 1829 he removed with his father's
family to Illinois, locating in Coles
County. In 18.36 he came to Vandalia
and engaged in the building trade,
and soon after in deriving in the store
of Joseph T. Eccles.

He was married to Miss Martha J.
Phillips in June, 1838. For a short

time he resided in Mulberry Grove,
Bond County, where he was engaged
in merchandizing aud was Postmaster
at that place while he resided there.
He returned to Vandalia and engaged
in the mercantile business for several
years. He was Postmaster at Vandalia
from 1849 to 1853.

In 1857 he was admitted to the bar,
and formed a partnership with H<
Arthur J. Gallagher. He was after-
wards associated with Hon. B. W.
Henry in the practice of the law.
filled numerous positions during his
life. He was Justice of the Peace
iwenty years, and was elected Count
Judge three terms. He was an estim-
able man and citizen, whose life re-
flected credit to himself and honor to
his family. He died April 1st, 1880.
at the age of 63 years. He left sur-
viving him Martha J. Ross, his widow,
(since deceased), and Robert W.

Ross, his son, now residing in Van-
dalia.

DR. ROULIN E. BEACH,
Deceased.

Dr. Rollin E. Beach was born in
Fayette county, Illinois, October 6th,
1849. Early in life he showed a
natural disposition to take up the
same profession of his father, who
was a successful physician. He
graduated Irom the Missouri Medical
College of St. Louis, in 1872; from the
Rush Medical College of Chicago in
1874; from the Bellevue Hospital
College for surgeons of New York,
and the New York College for the
treatment of eye and ear In 1875.

Dr. Beach first commenced the prac-
tice of his profession in St. Louis,
Mo. He remained there a short time
and removed to Chicago, where he

GEORGE HELBOGK.

.\Ir. and Mrs. John Eichisoii and daujihters Mrs. Lillie Walker of
Hyattville, Wyoming, and Mrs. Frank EcUard of Vandalia.

SOm-'ENTR OF VANDALTA. TT.TJXOTS.

Ifis

DANIEL C. SPENCER.
Traveling Lumber Salesman.

RESIDENCE OF JOHN LILLEY.
. North 3d Street.

practiced a short time, but notwith-
standing that he had a fair and good
practice in both places, he liked the
country better and determined to
practice his profession at his old
home. In October, 1876, he com-
menced the practice of his chosen pro-
fession in Vandalia. Early in his
professional life he demonstrated
marked ability and soon rose to a
high position among the medical fra-
ternity until his advice was eagerly
sought by consultation with his
brother physicians. He gave special
attention to the practice of surgery,
for which he was well equipped and
in which he became so successful that
his ability was recognized not only
by the medical profession of Illinois,
but throughout the union, he having
received special mention in the Med-
ical journals of the United States and

of Europe, in later years his prac-
tice consisted of rare and delicate
surgical operations, which were won-
derfully successful. He for years
held the position of surgeon for the
Illinois Central and Vandalia railroads
and was highly esteemed by the offi-
cers of these companies. He was re-
peatedly elected head surgeon for the
Modern Woodmen of America.

By the leading physicians of St.
Louis, among whom he had many
friends, he was considered a talented
and skillful physician and surgeon and
well equipped to compete with them
in a larger field of practice, but he
was content to spend his life where
he had won his success, and lived and
died with the enviable reputation of
one who had done his best for suffer-
ing humanity. In social life Dr.
Beach won for himself staunch and

firm friends and confidence entrust-
ed to him was never betrayed and his
memory will be revered by them as
long as life shall last. He died Janu-
ary 23rd, lt)Ul.

He was married to Miss Hattie Kidd
April 19th, 18S1, who with a son and
daughter, Harold C. and Florence E.,
survive to mourn their loss of a kind
and loving husband and father.

J. W. O'BRIEN.

Deceased.

J. W. O'Brien came to Vandalia,
Illinois, in the fall of 1852, as one of
the corps of engineers, who were lay-
ing out and constructing the Illinois
Central Railroad through this portion
of the state. He resided here until
the completion of the road in the
spring of 1855, when he was called to

RESIDENCE OF COL. J. B. WASHBURN.
North 1st Street.

MARTIN WELCH, Deceased.
Ex-Courty Clerk of Payette County.

164

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

RESIDENCE OF BEXJ. CKAVCRUFr.
North Sth Street.

Early

JAMBS HANKINS,
Sheriff of Fayette County.

Chicago to enter the operative depart-
ment of the I. C. R. R. as assistant to
Captain (afterwards General) George
B. AlcClellan. He afterwards entered
the land department of the road, and
was secretary and registrar of that
department at the time of his death,
which occurred January 22, 1893.

Mr. O'Brien was an artist of rare
excellence and during his residence
at Vandalia painted quite a number of
pictures of scenes in and around
Vandalia, two of which are given in
this work, through the courtesy of
Miss Isabel Mizner O'Brien, his
daughter, viz: "Lee's Old Mill," on
the Kaskaskia, and "In the Woods at
Vandalia." Mr. O'Brien's residence

LUKE EDWARDS
Who lias condufte I oontinuotisly I lie
old Gallatin Street Meat Market
since 1880.

in Chicago was destroyed by fire in
1S94, and many valuable paintings
were destroyed which would have
been of great interest, particularly so
two of Vandalia and one of the old
covered bridge across the Kaskas-
kia at V^andalia.

REV. JOSEPH GORDON,

Deceased.

Rev. Gordon was born iu ;he coun-
ty of Monaghan, Ireland, on 'he 14th
day of February, A. D. 1802. He re-
ceived his education in the best com-
mon schools that county afforded,
and the pecuniary condition of his
parents would allow. All the know-
ledge acquired by him was by porse-
verence and self culture, but cariied
his own way through the difflci'lties
of life.

His father. Robert Gordon, lefi l.im

at the age of seventeen years to take
charge of a family consisting of his
mother and four sisters, whil.st he
came to this country to secure for
them a home.

Robert Gordon came to Edwards-
ville, Madison county, Illinois, and
having secured a home for his f im-
ily, sent word to his son in Ireland to
sell out the property belonging to
them and come directly to Edwards-
ville. The family sailed from War-
ren's Point in the spring of 1821, and
landed at Quebec, Canada, after a
voyage of six weeks. From Quebec,
the party proceeded to Montreal and
from thence up the St. Lawrence and
across the lakes to Erie, Pennsylvania,
and from thence to Pittsburg on the
Ohio river. They were detained at
Pittsburg until the spring of 1822 on
account of low water. They left Pitts-
burg on the 17th day of March of lliat

RESIDENCE OF MRS. \VILL.\ .\lcCORD.
West Johnson Street.

SOin"ENlR OF VAXDALIA, riJJNOTS.

165

DAXIEL M, CLARK.
One of Vandalia's most enterprising
citizens, a large land owner, and
a leading man in the Drainage of
the Okaw Bottom lands.

THE OLD GORDON HOMESTEAD, 7th Street.

Sitting in front are; Mr. and Mrs. J. .-\. irordon and son Freddie, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Avery
Cnee Gordon), and son Frank, of Ft. Collins, Col., Mrs, Rose Remann, Miss Bessie Pitkin.

year, and landed at St. Louis on the
13th day of April, 1S22, and at Ed-
wardsville, their place of destination,
the next day. He was married on the
13th day of September, 1S27, to Miss
Letitia W. Robinson, a daughter of
David Robinson. This couple had
born to them eleven children, four of
whom are now living. Mrs. S. J. Sea-
man, Mrs. Julia Remann and Joseph
A. Gordon, of Vandalia, and Mrs. B.
A. Abernethy, of Loveland, Colorado.
In 1S42. he was licensed and ordained
as a pastor in the Cumberland Pres-
byterian church, and did good service
whilst in that organization. In 1847.
he united with the Alton Presbytery
and entered on the work of Home
Missions and labored as such in
Southern Illinois until his death.

Rev. Gordon removed to Vandalia
from EdwardsviUe with his family in
the fall of 1848, where he continued
to reside until his death, which oc-
curred the 9th day of June, 1882. As
10 his labors in the church at Vanda-
lia we refer you to the history of the
Presbyterian church, published in
this work. Rev. Gordon was a man
beloved by all who were fortunate
enough to know him, of strict up-
rightness and purity of character.

ABRAM STARNES, Deceased, and

ANNA STUBBLEFIELD THOMPSON

STARNES, Deceased.

Mrs. Starnes was born in Fayette
County, Kentucky, February 2d, 1802.
and emigrated to Illinois in ISlfi.

while it was yet a territory, and set-
tled in Clinton County, where shortly
afterward she was married to Abram
Starnes. In 1820 they settled ai
dalia, and were citizens of Vandalia
when the first session of the Legisla-
ture was held at that place, and many
of the prominent members boarded
with them during the session.

Abram Starnes was born in 17;tft,
was a soldier in the War of 1812, go-
ing from Tennessee as a drummer
hoy, and participated in the battle of
New Orleans. He was also a soldier
of the Black Hawk war in 1832. at the
close of which he returned to Van-
dalia and commenced the practice of
medicine, which he continued until
his death, which occurred in 18.54.

He left surviving him his widow,
who died November If). 1889: also
Sarah Washburn. Maria Meek, Wm.
C. Starnes, Martha J. Kagay, Nancy
Starnes. Mrs. E. C. Meek and .\bram
C. Starnes. bis children.

Of his children Wm. C, of Fayette
County. Mrs. Martha J. Ka.gay. of Ef-
fingham. Mrs. F. C. Meek, of Vandalia,
and .•\bram C. Starnes. of Indiana, are
still alive. Mr. and Mrs. Starnes' re-
mains are buried in the Old Ceme-
tery at Vandalia.

RESIDENCE OF J. H. HKoWXIXfT
West South Street.

IRA itIGGIXS,

Former Manager of the

jicLeod Studio.

166

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

''^WJ'

'•'^' *---- ■^"■•■-

Z

W

> z

< o

■r,

r- ^

•< O

w

H

05 ft:

O Cd
X c

tr; "
H

O

ca
1^
o
■ji

o
o

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

167

MRS. D. M. DIXON.

LK

.WCKOFT'S BKICK \.\\<l>. WKST V.AXDALIA.

Some early Recollections hy an
Old Citizen.^

Bv Geo. \V. BK'>wx.]
It may be of some little interest to
ttie readers of "Historic Vandalia" to
Ivnow how this old town got its
name. No doubt there are quite a
goodly number of our citizens, as well
as some persons among our neighbor-
ing counties, that knew and can re-
member Col. William C. Greenup, a
man noted for his superior intelli-
gence, social geniality and general
information. As I write this short
contribution, I very vividly call to
mind a conversation that I heard be-
tween him and my father over sixty
years ago. in relation to the earlier
days of this historic city. One thing
that impressed me at that time, and
that I now recall was the origin of the
name "Vandalia." that took place at
our house during the time the Col-
onel was surveying the school sec-
tion of Town 5 N, 2 E. He staid at
our house at nights and boarded with

us. It run about in this wise: "Mr.
Urnwii, do you Icnow how Vandalia
got its name?" asked Colonel Green-
up. My father said, "No, I do not
know that I do". The Colonel said,
"I will tell you. While T was survey-
ing and platting the city, it was sug-
gested that it be called "Van, and
some one, probably Mr. Kirkman,
su.ggested Dalia. Then I put the two
together and we had Vandalia, signi-
fying in the lead and a place of
dales."

Col. Greenup's family were among
the first settlers and there are three
of his family living in Vandalia now,
viz., Mrs. .John Frazer, Mrs. Harman
Ernest and William B. Greenup.

Tandalia School ''of Shorthand
•and typewriting.

The Vandalia School of Shorthand

and Typewriting had its origin in

May, 1903, when .T. J. Bullin.gton

cnmmenced .giving private lessons to

a few students. The number desiring
instruction increased to such an e.\-
tent that he decided to devote his en-
tire time to this work. It soon be-
came necessary for him to employ
an assistant, and the services of Miss
Carrie Koehler, of St. Elmo, 111., was
secured for this position. On her
resignation Miss Edna Easterday of
this city accepted the place and has
continued in that capacity ever since.

The school has received much en-
coura.gement from the citizens and
many young persons have taken ad-
vantage of this opportunity to secure
a thorou.gh and complete course in
shorthand and typewriting. The in-
struction received is first class and
the work done hy graduates of this
school compares very favorably with
that of older and larger institutions

The Pitman system of shorthand
and touch typewriting are taught.
Remington and Oliver machines are
used.

STORE BUILI»L\r, OF WARKBX BROWNLXG.
East Gallatin Street.

For

MISS ADELAIDE BROWN.

twenty years organist of

First M. E. Church.

the

168

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

Some Old Time Characters
of Vandalia.

THE FIRST BELL THAT EVER CALLED A f'KOTESTANT
CONGREGATION TOGETHER IN ILLINOIS.

The first Protestant Church bell in
Illinois was hung in the tower of the
first church edifice erected in Van-
dalia, the cut of which building is
shown on page 12 of this book. The
bell bears the following inscription:

"Illinois Riggs,

To the Presbyterian Congregation of

Vandalia. 1830."

The Illinois Monthly Magazine, con-
ducted by James Hall and published
in Vandalia under date of December.
1830. has the following to say of this
bell:

During the last month the town of
Vandalia received a valuable acquisi-
tion in the donation of a fine-toned
hell for the cupola of the meeting-
house. The bell was presented to the
Presbyterian Congregation of Van-

dalia by Romulus Riggs, a merchant
of the Philadelphia, in the name of
his daughter. Miss Illinois Riggs.
This bell was hung November 5, 1S30,
and announced its own arrival in joy-
ous tone. This event is interesting,
inasmuch as it is the first public
bell introduced into the State by
American inhabitants. The French
had one or more bells in their villages
on the Mississippi, but the public
buildings erected by the American
settlers have been entirely destitute
of this useful appendage."

This bell is still the property of the
Presbyterian Church in Vandalia.
and hangs in the belfry of the church
as a highly pri;?ed relic. It has long
since been supplanted by a much
larger bell.

Old Com Riggins, the Indian
fighter.

Many of the "old settlers" of Van-
dalia and Fayette County remember
the frequent exploits of Higgins, in
the. early pioneer era of the county's
history. He was the champion at all
their corn-shucUings, log-rollings,
horse-races, political meetings, etc.,
and to use a term of that period,
would fight at the drop of the hat:
and so remarkable was his strength
and courage that he was always the
victor.

At a meeting of a few of the "old
settlers." a circumstance was relat-
ed, that he had frequently walked in-
to the bar-rooms in Vandalia, and
after swallowing his whisky, would
literally chew up the glass tumblers.
He was probably the strongest man
who ever lived in the county.

Old ;jim mUey, the fiddler.

OUl Jim Wiley was another noted
character in his day. He played the
violin, or "Piddle," for dances all over
the county, and was fond of his toddy.
He was also a good horse trader. It
is told of him in this connection that
he desired to accompany Col. James
W. Berry, Wyatt Berry and Col. Jas.
T. B. Stapp on their trip through the
country to Texas in an early day, and
he borrowed a horse from a neighbor
friend, and started with them from
Vandalia without any money, but took
his fiddle along and played for dances,
etc, to pay his way, and traded
horses every chance he could get.
They were gone about four months,
and during that time he traded horses
about fifty times, and returned to
Vandalia with the same horse he had
borrowed from his nei.ghbor, and
which he had traded off the first op-
portunity, and had one hundred and
twenty-five dollars in money, which
lie. On his arri^;il at Vandalia. pro-
ceeded to blow in in the most ap-
uroved style of art known in those
days.

INTERIOR 01" \VIHT.\KI-;KS racket sTt)RE.

lake Burner.

Was another noted character. He
was known from Terre Haute to St.
I ouis by every n'an. v.-oman and child
ihal lived on or near the Old National
Road. He was a Stage Driver, and
was known particularly for his hearty
laugh, which some say cotiUl be
hoard for half a mile.

One time old Jake went to St. Louis
;iuil vi=ited a theatre. Something said
"I- done on the stage excited Jake's
risibles. and he ha hawed so loudly
that he disturbed the audience. An

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

IIV.)

X

H
■J)
y.

0

~ s s ''

i is =

i 1 a-

. c = c " '-" '^

VI 1* cS .

aj 7; JJ T3
- - x: =
" i» > «

o _;

^ _ _, It w
■*,.= - ^ o

o OJ a>

« 0, ^; -a * ^
at _2 c n « ?
-^ t^ c c- a> --

o .5

- 7 •«

• £ c

y vi «

bo Qj ^

i; =1 =:

It s 1)

^93

0) j: c

■ji '^

^ aj P _rt at

'J

o

'J

x;

; j= S .i

U OJ g

S S S

f '^ C. "

i •- ■H 1

; s .s S. - -

1 O — ., — 1> ■

o - .:5 — A u

! - -^ ^ < X -

; It at o at .D

I — r- - a

« g „ - g CO ^

: " o I S S £

" M i< ii >. >. 5

t .2' jj nd ^' i' «

: ~ c j: u5 ^2

: « g ^- S JS 5

J at - o It o

OJ

D .

nS

. C = >

i '^

be ^ "O

i £ :»" g ^o

" j:; 1- O »!

at *j ^ t, ■-

at .n a: *^ ji: —

•^ v: " ^

a 0 £ .2

_ -a at t; -^ tu

r It -t-t ^ at ^

~ S •- - .2 ■"

■a 2 Jr u 5 a

a .2 ^ t; 3 2

S? " s i

c

fi

c
bo

c
c

0

IJ

-

1)

-

•n

c

«

0

0

0

•0
C

:3

at

rt

OJ

m

i)

'J,

S

-o

a

:>

a*

i3

!5

a)

D s

^ — at

■■■>. 1 ? - -,

2 3. 5 "

f 5 - c 2

-■ - X C —

c c

c: 1^ -E

170

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

CHAS. H. PHILLIPS.

Who was Chief of Police of Vandalia during the years 1S811, 1890, 1S91 and 189i!, and who
proved a terror to thugs and evil doers.

usher was sent to him and told him
he must not laugh so loud. Jake told
him that was exactly what he paid
his money for was to be amused and
have a good laugh. Of course, the
usher could say no more and left

him. He had hardly left him when
again Jake broke out, and again the
usher called him down. Jake prom-
ised to hold in if he could, but he
could not. Again he broke forth.
They did not know what to do with

MRS. E. L. WAHL.
An estimable lady and church work-
er; had charge of the Presbyterian
Sunday School Infant Class for
fifteen years.

him: they had no right to expel him,
so they offered him ten dollars if he
would leave the house, to which he
agreed, took the money and went
across the street to a bar, threw that
ten dollars on the counter and called
every one in the house up to drink at
the expense of the proprietors of the
theatre. Many amusing stories could
be told of him. He was strictly hon-
est, and one of the most generous of
men.

JOHN B. RUTLBDUE

Who has been a resident of Fayette

County for over sixty years.

HOME OF MRS. L. L. GUFFY.

Nortli 1st Street.

SOUVENIR. OF VANDALIA. ILLINOIS,

171

MRS. JESSE L. l.AKIX.

MR. .\XD MRS. JOSEPH RUMMEL.
Two of Vandalia's old antl highly respected citizens. "Uncle Joe",
as he is familiarly known, has followed the plasterer's trade in
Vandalia for 47 years, with the exception of the three years he
was absent in the army, and has plastered more houses in Vandalia
than any other man now living.

ROBERT SMITH,

Bob Cupid, as He Was Coinnionly
Known.

"Bob Cupid" was a colored indi-
vidu.il who stuttered. He was the
town barber and played the tambou-
rine ani did the calling off at all the
first-class balls and dances. He was
a high-toned colored gentleman, and
would not play or call tor the "poor
white trash." It was only the quality
he would .sive his services, and was

constantly in demand. When all

would be in readiness Bob wouhl
shake his tambourine and call out
Sa-sa-sa-sa-sloot yo pahdner, Jo-jo-jo-
,ioin hands, and surkel to the left;
Fir-fir-fir-flrst fo right and left, la-la-
la-la-ladies change; ha-ha-ha-half
promenade, ha-ha-ha-half right and
left to places, all balance, sw-sw-sw-
swing yo pahdner and all promenade,
etc. Some times the figures would be
danced through before Bob had
them called. He was the best we
had, and we used him.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY
OF VANDALIA

Atkinson & Brink, Merchants.

Armstrong, G. J., Proprietor Stave
Mill.

Albert, James M., Lawyer.

Austin, Chas., Post Office News
Stand.

Austin, S., Saloon.

Allison, W. E., Agent I. C. and Van-
dalia R. R.'s.

RESIDENCE OF H. T, HUSS, North 5th St.

MRS. H. N. SPAULDING,
Who is a daughter of the late Hezi-
kiah Brown Thompson, who was a
veteran of the Black Hawk War.

SOUVENIR OF \^^NDALIA, ILLINOIS.

RESIDENCE OF H. A. STONE.

West 7th Street.

Banning, E. R.. Carpenter and
Builder.

Barkley, Orville F., Furniture and
Undertalier.

Beer, John, Job Printing.

Bingham, John A., I^awyer and
Postmaster.

Bingaman, Henry, Carpenter and
Builder.

Bingaman, Benjamin, Grain Buyer.

Boggs, James, Carpenter and Build-
er.

Bolt, F. M., Barljer.

Bolt, Thos. J., Restaurant.

Brown, John J., Bnrnside, J. Gordon,
Bullington. Josiah., Lawyers.
Firm of Brown, Burnside & Bul-
lington.

^a

'. ^,

.-4. '**W

jinMiB^B

k

i^^^^^HH

k. ^-^

lli^ll^HH

1« .

iimi^HHI

^.iS-

^^^^H^^^^^l

A 1

■H^^HHHMNB

A il

1^

JMu

Brown, George W.. Justice of the
Peace and Insurance Agent.

Brodbeck, August, BrodbecK, John,
Butchers and Meat Merchants.

Brennon. Bernard, Blacksniitli.

Burtschi, Julius L., Real Estate and
Loan Agent.

Burtschi, Joseph C. Abstracts and
Insurance Agent.

Burtschi, Theodore. Gardener and
Fruits.

Buser, Adolph, Buser, Arthur, Hard-
ware Buser & Son.

Browning, Warren. Merchant Dry
Goods and Notions.

Bassett, Geo. W., Physician.

Bingaman, Mamie, Kinloch Tel. Co.

Capps, George B.. Druggist.

Creel. Clifford, Chandler, Roy, Gro-
ceries, Creel & Chandler.

Collins. John D.. General Insurance
Agent.

JOHN AMSLER, Deceased.
A pioneer German citizen, for many
years Vandalia's leading boot and
shoe maker.

Craycroft. Benjamin & Son, Foundry
Eagle Brick Machines.

Clark, Joseph S., Justice of the Peace,
Lumber.

Coleman, Chas. P., Editor and Pro-
prietor Vandalia Leader.

Crow, Rev. Nathaniel, Pastor M. E.
Church.

Duffy. Owen. Proprietor New Metz-
ger Hotel.

Durbin. Oil Wagon.

Deal, Robert, Barber.

Dinges. C. L.. Sr., Barber.

Dinges. C. L.. Jr., Abstracter Titles.

Dieckmann, Geo., A. A., Real Es-
tate, Title. Abstracts and Loans.

Dickson. David, Second Hand Store.

AUNT MARGARiCT MITCHELL.
A Fayette County Pioneer, who
numbers her friends by the score.

RESIDENCE OF W. F. SMITH.

North Sth Street.

SOUVENIR OF X'ANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

!ij!illi|liiiii!iiiii!iii!ili!liiiiiiliiilltiliii:ill^^^

RESIDENCE OF MRS. OLIVIA Wll 1T1;.\1.\X.
South 6th Strcel.

D. A. WATERMAN'. Deceased.
Leading Insurance .Man of Fayette
Co. for many years. Was chief
cleric in Ebenezer Capp's store.

Doyle, H. C. Real Estate. Loan

Broker.
Doyle. Evans. Live:y and Sale Stable.

Doyle & Emerick.
Dick.son. Charle-. Dickson, .\lbert.

.Junk Dealers.
Denny. Thos.. Traveling Salesman for

Ferguson & McKinney. St. Louis.

Missouri.
Eakin. .James W.. Deputy Sheriff.
Edwards. Li'ke. Bi'tcher and Meat

Merchant.
Emmel. Fred. Capitalist R. E. Loans

and Abstracts.
Emm.el. Chas. F.. Cppitalist.
Emerick, Xoah. Co'inty Clerk.
Ellis. ! a'ra. Millinery.

Emerick. Jacolj, Livery and Sale
Stable, Doyle & Emerick.

Enck, John, Painter and Paper Hang-
er,

Eichenlaub, Daniel, Restaurant.

Evans, James S.. Evans, Charles.
Evans, Bert. Hardware. J. S.
Evans & Sons.

Elani, Charles, Restaurant.

Farmer, Hon. Wm. M.. Circuit and
Appellate Judge.

Ford. J. W., Ford Paper Mill Co.

Frier, Albert. Barber.

Gerichs, Wm, H.. Harness and Sad-
dlery.

Greer, Dr. George, Physician.

Gloede, Mrs. C. Wagon Maker.

Guy, Wm. H. Capitalist and Real Es-
tate Broker.

Gordon, Joseph A., Cashier Farmers'
and Merchants' Bank,

Gochenour, John, Gochenour, Henry

J,, Real Estate and Loan A,L;e:iis.

Agents 1. C. R. R. Lanus.
Green. William. Livery and Sale

Stable.
Higgins, Chas., Laundry.
Hanley Sisters, .Millinery Gooils.
Hankins, James R., Painter and Paper

Han.ger.
Hausmann, Charles, Ice Dealer,
Henry, Hun. B. W.. Lawyer. ConnLv

Judge,
Henr>-, F. !,, Deputy Circuit Clerk,
Henry, H. F., .\gent .\dams Express

Co., Coal Dealer.
Henning Brothers. Second Hand

Store.

THE PRYOR RESIDENCE
Where Lafavette Prvor was murdered.

DANIEL lil'KTSCKl. Dec'd.
President and Originator of I he
\'andalia Mutual Building and
Saving .Association, organized in
1S72. now defunct.

174

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

N. S. BUCHANAN.

Assistant local agent for the Adams

Express Company.

Henry, William, Real Estate Broker.

Hermann, Max, Cigar Manufacturer
and Tobaccos.

Higgins, Richard T., Capitalist.

Hassler, C. R., Harness and Saddlery

Hayward, W. A., Jeweler and Watch
Repairer.

Houston, Martin F., Houston, Charles,
Hardware, Houston & Son.

Hudson, Thomas, Barber.

Houston. George F., Lawyer, Hous-
ton & Remann.

Hoar. L. K., Carpenter and Builder.

Humphrey, F. C, Humphrey's
Drug and Book Co.

Irish, J. H., Assistant Cashier in the
First National Bank.

Janett Brothers. Saloon.

James, Joseph F., Capitalist and Real
Estate Broker.

Jerauld, Gorton D., Capitalist.

Katz. Jacob, Clothing, Gents Fur-
nishing Goods.

FRED BUCHANAN,
Son of Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Buchanan

Kelly, James, Saloon.

Kurtz, George A., Merchant, T. N.
Pitkin & Co.

Kramer, Martin, Beer Hall.

Klasing, May, Central Union Tel. Co.

Lockhart, J. W., Saloon.

Livingston. Jay, Department Store.

Lakin. T. N., Lakin, Jesse, Editors
and Proprietors Vandalia Union.

Le Doux. Edmund, Saloon.

Lilley, John, Groceries.

Mumper, H. L., Proprietor Aragon
Hotel.

Mammen. John. Carpenter and Build-
er, Boggs & Mammen.

Myers, J. R., Abstracts of Title with
Geo. A. A. Dieckmann.

Mays. Jesse. Police Magistrate.

Morey, Ethel, Central Union Tel. Co.

May. Rev. Montgomery, Pastor Pres-
byterian Church.

Morris & Co.. Poultry etc.

Mockler, John, Cigars and Tobacco.

MRS. N. S. BUCHANAN,
President of the Willing Workers'
Society of the Methodist Church.

Jlorey, Dr. L. L., Physician and Sur-
geon.

Marty, Charles, Pharmacist.

Mabry, Harry, Mabry, Joseph, Live
Stock Dealers.

Manion, H. C, Manager Standard Oil
Company.

Jlills, Charles. Cashier and Book-
keeper Craycroft & Son. Foundry

Myers, Rev. S. D., Pastor Lutheran
Church.

McKellar, A. S., Manager Postal Tel.
Company.

Mcllheney, J. F., Flour and Feed
Store.

Maroney. Rev. Father, Pastor Mother
of Sorrows Catholic Church.

McLeod, D., The Photographer.

Matheney, John A., Lawyer.

Oglesby, Archibald, Boarding House.

Oglesby, Emory, Lunch Room.

Oliver, James R., Painter and Paper
Hanger.

MABEL P^ARMER SEAMAN, Dec'd.

GWENDOLEN L. FARMER.

VIRGINIA L. FARMER.

DAUGHTERS OF .M'DGE AND MRS. W. M. FARMER.

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

175

MISS LrCILE BROWX.

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John J.

Brown.

MRS. NELLIE ( BLACKWI^.L)

BROWN.

Daughter of Col. Robert Blackwell,

and wife of Hon. John J. Browu.

MRS. ,MAliY .1. r.LAfK\VELI>,

Wife of Col. Robert Blackwell, the

first ])iiblic i)rinl^>r of rhe Slate

Perry. Peter, Blacksmith.

Perkins. John. Perkins. Frank. Per-
kins Bros. Saloon.

Pfeiffer, A. W.. Groceries.

Pitkin, Thos. N.. Merchant. T. N. Pit-
kin & Co.

Prater. S. A., Lawyer, Master in
Chancery.

Prater. J. J., Secretary Fayette Co.
Ins. Co.

Rahn, Carl. Shoemaker.

Remann. F. G., Lawyer. Houston &
Remann.

Ray, W. B., Livery and Sale Stable.

Reuter, Tony, Bakery.

Rice. Dr. F. L., Dentist.

Rexwinkle, Benjamin, Traveling

Salesman.

Roe, Arthur, Lawyer. Albert & Roe.

Roe, Ezekiel, Saloon.

Roth, John, Cigars and Tobacco.

Richardson, Fred, Blacksmith.

Ritter, Jacob, President Fayette Co.
Ins. Co.

Ritter, Will J,, Carpenter and Builder.

Schneider, John J., Boots and Shoes.

Schenker, John W.. Circuit Clerk
and Assistant Cashier Farmer's
and Merchant's Bank.

Schwind, W, E., Dentist.

Scheurer. Robt. G., Hardware.

Schmidt. Geo., Manager Kinloch Tel.
Company.

Schulte, J. R., Merchant, T. N. Pit-
kin & Co.

Syfert. John. Barber.

Smith, \V, F., Soda Water Manufac-
turer etc.

Smith. Chas. G.. Smith, A. F., Edi-
tors and Proprietors Fayette
Democrat.

Smohl, Henry, Blaclismith.

Stamm, Emil, Shoemaker.

Stout, Sidney B., Merchant,

Sturgess, R. H., Cashier First Nat-
ional Bank.

Spurgeon. E. B.. Lawyer, States At-
torney.

Springer, Mrs.. Bakery and Lunch
Room.

Steinhauer. Fred, Saloon.

Steinhauer. Geo. D., Musical Instru-
ments,

Sonnemann, Charles, Lumber Yard.

ARTHUR H. BROWXING.
A Vandalia boy now engaged in pho-
tography at Effingham. Illinois.

J. F. HIBBETS,

Superintendent of the Vandalia

Light and Fuel Company.

CHAS. F. HOUSTON,
Of Firm of M. F, Houston & Son.

170

SOUVENIR OF VANDALIA, ILLINOIS.

Stfinhaiier. Louis, Steinhauer. ]§[1-
ward, Steinhauer. Fred, Gloede
W'a.son Works.

Sonnenianii, Wm.. Sunnemann, Fluyd,
Lumber. Wm. Sonnemann & Son.

Spaiildins, Harr.v N., Arcliitect and
Builder.

Smitli, P'rank. Painter.

ShonU, W. \V.. Biitolier Block .Manu-
factory.

Talbot, Rev. G., Pastor Baptist
Cliurch.

Turner, Geo. T.. l^awyer and Vice
President Farmers and Mer-
cliants Banlv.

Truebloud, William, Proprietor Union
Hotel.

Urbani, .Mrs. L. J.. Millinery and
Fancy Goods.

Urbani. Will K., Watchmaker and
.Jeweler,

Vanderhoof, N. B., Capitalist, Deal-
er in I^ands and Farm Imple-
ments.

White. Walter C.. .Merchant -'Star
Store."

Williams. Dr. A. L. T., Physician and
Surgeon.

Wallace, Dr. J. H., Physician and
Surgeon.

Webb, .1. H.. Lawyer.

Whitaker, S. E.. Racket Store.

White, C. E., Marble Works and .Mon-
uments.

Whitten. D. M., Sheriff Fayette Co.

Welker. William, States Attorney of
Fayette County.

West. Wm. Cashier T. N. Pitkin &
Co.

Congressman-elect F. S. Dickson
was born in Hillsboro. Montgomery
county. 111., October 6, 1.S77. and
after finishing his common school
education he was graduated from
the high school at Decatur, 111., in
the class of 1896. He married Miss
Theresa Scott, daughler of Dr. .1.
W. Scott, who was the secretary of

FRANK STODDARD DICKSOX
Who was elected Congressman from the 23d I Hi. I Dis-
trict, November S, 19U4-.

the state board of health under the
administration of Gov. .1. P. Altgeld.
When war broke out between the
LTnited States and Spain. young
Dickson was one of tlie first in
southern Illinois to volunteer his
services. He entei'ed as a private
and came otit as the quartermaster
of the 4tli Illinois National Guard,

under Col. .1. Mack Tanner. Dick-
son studied for the liar but has not
\e\ lieen admitted. Last Septem-
ber he was made the principal of
the Ramsey High School. Mr. Dick-
son is a resident of Ramsey, and is
the third to succeed as member of
the National Legislature from Fay-
ette County.

On the left Mrs. .-\nna Peters, toriiierlv of Vandalia. mnv ot Stockton. Cal . daughter of

the late Col. Ferris Forman. .Mrs. Peters is a niece ut Mrs. Booth, on the right. Miss

Tabitha Booth, who is the oldest member of the First M. E. Lhtirch now living. Has

been a resident of Vandalia over sixty years.

.MRS. MARY HENINGER.
Jlolher of .Mrs. \V. M. Farmer, who
came to Fayette County in 1833.

I

I

iiilliiSlliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii